scavenger hunt

noun

1. a game in which individuals or teams are sent out to accumulate, without purchasing, a series of common, outlandish, or humorous objects, the winner being the person or team returning first with all the items.

scavenger hunt

noun

1. a game in which players are required to collect an assortment of miscellaneous items: usually played outdoors

Word History and Origins

Origin of scavenger hunt¹

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Those who complete the mini scavenger hunt will be given a free gift at Paper Plant, which Niimura is keeping a secret.

From Los Angeles Times

The young adult rom-com follows Avery Blackwell, a rising college freshman who postpones her plans to attend Columbia after a note from her late mother sends her on a scavenger hunt in England.

From Los Angeles Times

Avery ends up agreeing to the faux-romance in exchange for help on the scavenger hunt.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching her execute another step in the scavenger hunt she’s devised for him is like seeing “The Rules” reimagined by Rube Goldberg.

From Salon

At the Mall on Tuesday, I felt a surge of recognition when I saw a crowd of 6-year-olds rush by clutching pencils and pads, clearly engaged in some kind of scavenger hunt.

From Slate