crump

[ kruhmp, kroomp ]

verb (used with object)

1. to crunch or make a crunching sound, as with the teeth.

verb (used without object)

1. (of an artillery shell) to land and explode with a heavy, muffled sound.
2. to make a crunching sound, as in walking over snow, or as snow when trodden on.

noun

1. a crunching sound.
2. a large explosive shell or bomb.
3. Also called bump. Mining. a sudden ground movement in underground workings.

crump

/ krʌmp /

verb

1. intr to thud or explode with a loud dull sound
2. tr to bombard with heavy shells

noun

1. a crunching, thudding, or exploding noise

Word History and Origins

Origin of crump¹

First recorded in 1640–50; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of crump¹

C17: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Just a few miles from Russian trenches in eastern Ukraine, the crump of incoming Russian artillery shells from howitzers, rockets and mortars last Friday was almost nonstop.

From New York Times

Ghost doesn't flinch at the crump of a shell landing nearby.

From BBC

The hamlet was silent except for birdsong and the crump of artillery fire in the distance.

From Reuters

The crump of Ukrainian air defences could be heard in the distance as we were led into a basement, to be met with the sight of dozens of prisoners taking shelter from the Russian attack.

From BBC

We hear the drills and the crump of the digger.

From BBC