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

"There may be other kinds of effects specific to the foraging biology of the species in question that could be beneficial," added Robert Dudley, UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

“Experiences like seaweed foraging invite travelers to slow down, engage with the natural environment and learn directly from local experts, creating a deeper emotional connection to the destination.”

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

The mothers spend the days foraging for fruit, nuts, and water lily seeds, while children splash in the river's murky waters.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

California officials are warning Northern and Central Coast residents against foraging for mushrooms amid an outbreak of mushroom poisoning.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

Despite the lack of such biological instincts, during the foraging era, hundreds of strangers were able to cooperate thanks to their shared myths.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari