scavenge
verb (used with object)
to take or gather (something usable) from discarded material.
scavenging
-
present participleof scavenge.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
VHS went obsolete and “Rad” wasn’t released on DVD, leaving fans scavenging for bootlegged copies and former rentals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
He took on various jobs, from construction to scavenging for waste and selling things at a street stall, before becoming a food deliveryman.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
Some irregular food items such as chicken and pig were also detected in the samples, suggesting that wolves are also scavenging from human waste disposal sites.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026
A video circulating on social media shows a man expelling a soldier and another official from his home after finding them scavenging around.
From Barron's ● Jun. 28, 2026
“I have some free time this week. If you want someone to go book scavenging with.”
From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
