rummage
verb (used with object)
to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.
have been rummaging
-
present perfect progressiveof rummage.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But now, based on conversations with neighbors who saw similar episodes, she thinks the boy may have been rummaging for food.
From New York Times ● Jan. 18, 2018
A movement upstairs disturbed him, and Henchard came down from his bedroom, where he seemed to have been rummaging boxes.
From The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
Here these pesky girls have been rummaging my boxes, and putting on my best chignons that pa sent me only yesterday.
From The Universal Reciter 81 Choice Pieces of Rare Poetical Gems by Various
“We have a spare topmast and topgallant mast, Captain Weber; but I have been rummaging over the spars, and can find nothing that will do for the main-topgallant mast.”
From The Ruined Cities of Zululand by Hugh Mulleneux Walmsley
The number of burrows of Philanthus apivorus which I have inspected since I have been rummaging the hot roadside embankments, to enquire into their population, would seem hyperbolical were I able to state the figures.
From More Hunting Wasps by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos
