scavenge
verb (used with object)
to take or gather (something usable) from discarded material.
scavenging
-
present participleof scavenge.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Some irregular food items such as chicken and pig were also detected in the samples, suggesting that wolves are also scavenging from human waste disposal sites.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
Just like when Swift releases new music and her lyrics are dissected for any hints about her personal life, her legion of fans around the world have been scavenging for clues to her nuptials.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
A video circulating on social media shows a man expelling a soldier and another official from his home after finding them scavenging around.
From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026
The Trump Administration is scavenging for ideas to lower costs for home-buyers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2026
Garbage had not been collected all that week, and stray dogs were scavenging among mountains of waste.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
