scrounge

[ skrounj ]
See synonyms for: scroungescrounging on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),scrounged, scroung·ing.
  1. to borrow (a small amount or item) with no intention of repaying or returning it: to scrounge a cigarette.

  2. to gather together by foraging; seek out: We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.

verb (used without object),scrounged, scroung·ing.
  1. to borrow, especially a small item one is not expected to return or replace.

noun
  1. a habitual borrower; sponger.

  2. an act or instance of scrounging.

  1. a person who exists by foraging.

Verb Phrases
  1. scrounge around, to search or forage for something, especially in a haphazard or disorganized fashion; hunt for: We scrounged around for something to eat.

Origin of scrounge

1
First recorded in 1905–10; alteration of dial. scringe to glean
  • Also scrounger (for defs. 4, 6).

Words Nearby scrounge

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use scrounge in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scrounge

scrounge

/ (skraʊndʒ) /


verbinformal
  1. (when intr, sometimes foll by around) to search in order to acquire (something) without cost

  2. to obtain or seek to obtain (something) by cadging or begging

Origin of scrounge

1
C20: variant of dialect scrunge to steal, of obscure origin

Derived forms of scrounge

  • scrounger, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012