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

California officials warn Northern and Central Coast residents against foraging for mushrooms amid poisoning outbreak.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Thankfully, chefs are much more open about sharing cooking tips than foraging locations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

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

I went around the table and spoke of each person’s contribution to my foraging education and to this meal.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan