foraging

American  

[fawr-i-jing, for-] / ˈfɔr ɪ dʒɪŋ, ˈfɒr- /

noun

1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.

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adjective

1. characterized by or dependent upon the acquisition of food by such means; food-gathering.

   a foraging people.

Etymology

Origin of foraging

First recorded in 1480–90; forage ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun, forage ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

It also recorded bumblebee visits to investigate the impacts of heatwaves on foraging behaviour.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

They monitored the behavior of bats at foraging routes around the bridges and compared it with routes without a crossing.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

The researchers found that foraging bees are not simply delivering a fixed message.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

Fryar, who wrote a book about the Potomac after discovering its hidden wilds, plans to stop foraging for pawpaws and a leafy green called sochan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Even in the second year after DDT enters a stream, a foraging salmon parr would have trouble finding anything more than an occasional small stonefly.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson