rummage

American  

[ruhm-ij] / ˈrʌm ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

rummaged, rummaging

1. to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.

2. to find, bring, or fetch by searching (often followed by out orup ).

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verb (used without object)

rummaged, rummaging

1. to search actively, as in a place or receptacle or within oneself.

   She rummaged in her mind for the forgotten name.

noun

1. miscellaneous articles; odds and ends.

2. a rummaging search.

rummage British  

/ ˈrʌmɪdʒ /

verb

1. to search (through) while looking for something, often causing disorder or confusion

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noun

1. an act of rummaging

2. a jumble of articles

3. obsolete confusion or bustle

Other Word Forms

• rummager noun
• unrummaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of rummage

1520–30; aphetic alteration of Middle French arrumage, equivalent to arrum ( er ) to stow goods in the hold of a ship (< ?) + -age -age

Example Sentences

Jeremy rummaged through the stack of drawings where he had hidden the instruction sheet.

From Literature

I rummaged in the bottom of the basket for some plastic plates I’d remembered to pack.

From Literature

That’s why some of us eavesdrop, sneak into closets and rummage through dresser drawers in secret.

From The Wall Street Journal

“D’you know,” the man grouses, “I could file a report. I stepped out for a moment, came back, and found her rummaging through the drawers of my desk. Outrageous!”

From Literature

Luckily, it doesn’t seem like she’s expecting more of a response from me, because she goes into her closet and starts rummaging around.

From Literature

Related Words

• comb
• forage
• poke
• scour