rummage

[ruhm-ij]

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 ).

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

/ ˈrʌmɪdʒ /

verb

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

noun

1. an act of rummaging

2. a jumble of articles

3. obsolete,  confusion or bustle

Other Word Forms

• rummager noun
• unrummaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummage¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummage¹

C14 (in the sense: to pack a cargo): from Old French arrumage , from arrumer to stow in a ship's hold, probably of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Literature

The monster rummaged through his pockets and procured a filthy handkerchief.

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“You were asleep when I came in. I did not want to wake you by rummaging about for my nightclothes.”

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Related Words

• comb 
• forage 
• poke 
• scour