rummage

American  

[ruhm-ij] / ˈrʌm ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

rummaged, rummaging

1. to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.

2. to find, bring, or fetch by searching (often followed by out orup ).

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verb (used without object)

rummaged, rummaging

1. to search actively, as in a place or receptacle or within oneself.

   She rummaged in her mind for the forgotten name.

noun

1. miscellaneous articles; odds and ends.

2. a rummaging search.

rummage British  

/ ˈrʌmɪdʒ /

verb

1. to search (through) while looking for something, often causing disorder or confusion

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noun

1. an act of rummaging

2. a jumble of articles

3. obsolete confusion or bustle

Other Word Forms

• rummager noun
• unrummaged adjective

Etymology

Origin of rummage

1520–30; aphetic alteration of Middle French arrumage, equivalent to arrum ( er ) to stow goods in the hold of a ship (< ?) + -age -age

Example Sentences

The state claimed he faked the move to dodge millions of dollars in taxes and allegedly rummaged through his trash for evidence of California residence.

From The Wall Street Journal

A new study found the masked mammals known for rummaging rubbish bins for easy food, are evolving and getting comfortable around humans.

From BBC

Some sections developed their own microclimates due to the flow of air conditioning, forcing delegates to rummage around for jackets to keep warm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Affectionately referred to as trash pandas, the masked mammals known for rummaging rubbish bins for easy food, are evolving based on their proximity to humans, even starting to look cuter, a new study says.

From BBC

I open the bag and rummage through the contents—only to pull out my dashiki.

From Literature

Related Words

• comb
• forage
• poke
• scour