scrounge

American  

[skrounj] / skraʊndʒ /

Also scrounger

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.

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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 British  

/ skraʊndʒ /

verb

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

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

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Other Word Forms

• scrounger noun

Etymology

Origin of scrounge

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

Example Sentences

Held together with scrounged parts and ingenuity, Iran’s aging jets are falling in dogfights.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many of the planes are museum pieces, kept flying with scrounged parts and pluck, and stand little chance against modern warplanes.

From The Wall Street Journal

I scrounged for more straw on the ground, all the little bits I could pick up.

From Literature

While some landlords offer a short grace period for renters to scrounge together enough cash, fintech companies are offering a different deal: split your rent into installments throughout the month.

From MarketWatch

Jack dispensed with the card entirely and scrounged up only $2 from his room, which he handed to Finn with an unceremonious “here.”

From The Wall Street Journal