scrounge

Also scrounger

[skrounj]

verb (used with object)

scrounged, scrounging 

1. to borrow (a small amount or item) with no intention of repaying or returning it.

   to scrounge a cigarette.

2. to gather together by foraging; seek out.

   We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.

verb (used without object)

scrounged, scrounging 

1. to borrow, especially a small item one is not expected to return or replace.

noun

1. a habitual borrower; sponger.

2. an act or instance of scrounging.

3. a person who exists by foraging.

verb phrase

1. scrounge around,  to search or forage for something, especially in a haphazard or disorganized fashion; hunt for.

   We scrounged around for something to eat.

scrounge

/ skraʊndʒ /

verb

1. to search in order to acquire (something) without cost

2. to obtain or seek to obtain (something) by cadging or begging

Other Word Forms

• scrounger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrounge¹

First recorded in 1905–10; alteration of dial. scringe to glean

Word History and Origins

Origin of scrounge¹

C20: variant of dialect scrunge to steal, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

His team scrounged up three, including a rental from actor Giovanni Ribisi, who has developed a reputation as a cinematographer and camera whisperer with a menagerie of restored relics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In Tawila, hundreds of people have huddled together in makeshift tents in a vast desert expanse, scrounging together what they can to prepare food for their families, AFP video shows.

Read more on Barron's

He is barely 34, has never had a real job, was elected five years ago to the state assembly, which is a badge you wear while you scrounge around for attention and connections.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The men ran out of food, subsisting on what they scrounged up: vitamins pills and pancake mix.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Of late, investors scrounging for stocks have preferred junk —smaller companies with poor fundamentals and exorbitant valuations—over quality companies with healthy sales and earnings growth, solid balance sheets, and more attractive prices.

Read more on Barron's