scrounge
Americanverb (used with object)
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to borrow (a small amount or item) with no intention of repaying or returning it.
to scrounge a cigarette.
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to gather together by foraging; seek out.
We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.
verb (used without object)
noun
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a habitual borrower; sponger.
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an act or instance of scrounging.
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a person who exists by foraging.
verb phrase
verb
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to search in order to acquire (something) without cost
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to obtain or seek to obtain (something) by cadging or begging
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has scroungedperfect 3rd person singular
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have scroungedperfect
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am scroungingprogressive 1st person singular
-
have been scroungingperfect progressive
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are scroungingprogressive
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is scroungingprogressive 3rd person singular
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has been scroungingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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scroungessingular 3rd person
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scroungingparticiple
Past
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had scroungedperfect
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were scroungingprogressive plural
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was scroungingprogressive singular
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had been scroungingperfect progressive
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scroungedsimple
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scroungedparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of scrounge
First recorded in 1905–10; alteration of dial. scringe to glean
Explanation
When you scrounge, you borrow, scavenge, or forage for something. Somehow or other, you're going to have to scrounge up enough money to pay your sister back for that loan. Scrounge can essentially mean "root around looking for something," like when you scrounge for a snack in your grandparents' refrigerator. It also means to obtain something by wheedling or talking someone into giving it to you. If your best friend gets tired of you scrounging money for snacks and movie tickets, you may finally have to get a job.
Vocabulary lists containing scrounge
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scrounge around their injured list, pick up Gavin Lux.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2023
Scrounge up your courage and ask for help.
From Washington Post • Jun. 1, 2022
Scrounge for soap in the bathroom, or buy unscented bars online.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2020
Scrounge together some cash and have a hot dog and a beer at a ballpark somewhere.
From Salon • Apr. 15, 2013
Scrounge up enough certified technicians to operate the probes.
From The Universe — or Nothing by Moldeven, Meyer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
