scrounge

[ skrounj ]

/ skraʊndʒ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: scrounge / scrounging on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), scrounged, scroung·ing.

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

to gather together by foraging; seek out: We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.

verb (used without object), scrounged, scroung·ing.

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

noun

a habitual borrower; sponger.

an act or instance of scrounging.

a person who exists by foraging.

Verb Phrases

scrounge around, to search or forage for something, especially in a haphazard or disorganized fashion; hunt for: We scrounged around for something to eat.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also scrounger (for defs. 4, 6).

Origin of scrounge

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

Words nearby scrounge

scrophulariaceous, scrorp, scrote, scrotum, scrouge, scrounge, scrounge around, scrounge up, scroungy, Scrovegni Chapel, scrub

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scrounge in a sentence

Since Holtsman did not receive much guidance or support, he had to scrounge for supplies and ran his own operations.
On the Trail of Nazi Counterfeiters|Dr. Kevin C. Ruffner|September 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When you earn money, cash falls from the sky, meaning you have to scrounge on the floor for dollar bills.
Kim Kardashian Isn't the Butt of Jokes Anymore|Amy Zimmerman|August 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“I have been on food stamps and had to scrounge for money,” she says.
Phil Spector’s Unlikely Defender|Christine Pelisek|November 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I was able to scrounge up $9,000 and then put in $9,000 of my own, so I was in for $18,000.
Billy Sammeth, the Manager Fired by Cher and Joan Rivers, Tells His Side of the Story|Kevin Sessums|February 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST

"Let's scrounge anything we can find that runs on gasoline or coal oil," said Al Miner.
The Year When Stardust Fell|Raymond F. Jones
I was never any good at this so Bruce used to scrounge for us.
The Biography of a Rabbit|Roy Benson
While my company was in support one day my corporal and I managed to scrounge into a pill-box away from the awful mud.
500 of the Best Cockney War Stories|Various
One day we missed one of our fellows, a Cockney, for about two hours, and guessed he was on the "scrounge" somewhere or other.
500 of the Best Cockney War Stories|Various
Back from a spell behind Ypres in 1915, a few of us decided to scrounge round for a hair-cut.
500 of the Best Cockney War Stories|Various

British Dictionary definitions for scrounge

scrounge

/ (skraʊndʒ) /

verb informal

(when intr, sometimes foll by around) to search in order to acquire (something) without cost

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

Derived forms of scrounge

scrounger, noun

Word Origin for scrounge

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

scrounge

Origin of scrounge

Words nearby scrounge

Words related to scrounge

How to use scrounge in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scrounge

Derived forms of scrounge

Word Origin for scrounge