mooch

Or mouch

[mooch]

verb (used with object)

1. to borrow (a small item or amount) without intending to return or repay it.

2. to get or take without paying or at another's expense; sponge.

   He always mooches cigarettes.

3. to beg.

4. to steal.

verb (used without object)

1. to skulk or sneak.

2. to loiter or wander about.

noun

1. Also moocher. a person who mooches.

mooch

/ muːtʃ /

verb

1. to loiter or walk aimlessly

2. (intr) to behave in an apathetic way

3. (intr) to sneak or lurk; skulk

4. (tr) to cadge

5. (tr) to steal

Other Word Forms

• moocher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mooch¹

1425–75; late Middle English, apparently variant of Middle English michen < Old French muchier to skulk, hide

Word History and Origins

Origin of mooch¹

C17: perhaps from Old French muchier to skulk

Example Sentences

While other dogs might be content to mooch off kitchen droppings, Riley prefers to eat from her own plate of human food.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s no private, residential rehab in Singapore - no mooching around in fluffy bathrobes and then retreating to your own en-suite room.

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Victor the bear was notorious for mooching meals at Mammoth Lakes campgrounds, but when he crashed a steak and wine dinner, things escalated quickly.

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The yacht belonged to an Italian-Tunisian distributor and Coppola was, as he put it, “mooching” as assorted relatives, friends, colleagues and support staff buzzed around him.

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“I can throw forks because this is our father’s house, my father’s house,” prompting Lee to point out that Mikey is living in the house with his mother, who he’s mooching off of financially.

Read more on Los Angeles Times