wreckage

[ rek-ij ]

noun

1. act of wrecking; wrecking; state of being wrecked.
2. remains or fragments of something that has been wrecked:

   They searched the wreckage for survivors.

wreckage

/ ˈrɛkɪdʒ /

noun

1. same as wreck
2. the act of wrecking or the state of being wrecked; ruin or destruction

Word History and Origins

Origin of wreckage¹

First recorded in 1830–40; wreck + -age

Example Sentences

As members of the crash recovery crew search for survivors among the wreckage, they encounter mysterious predatory life forms more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.

From Salon

The crew from Romeo’s company, Deep Sea Vision, had piloted their state-of-the-art submersible closer to the possible wreckage.

From Los Angeles Times

But in some of the towns worst- hit in Tuesday night's floods, people were left to the task of recovering bodies from the mud and wreckage.

From BBC

At least four people are in a serious condition and others remain trapped under wreckage at the scene in Glilot, just north of Tel Aviv.

From BBC

"Knowing that his wreckage has been found is nice and important," Jill said.

From BBC

Related Words

• debris
• rubble
• wreck