VocabDictionary

scrounging

/ˈskraʊndʒɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Present participle of scrounge: seeking to obtain something, typically food or money, at the expense or through the generosity of others or by stealth and resourcefulness.

Example Sentences:
  • He spent the afternoon scrounging for leftovers in the kitchen.
  • Instead of buying new materials, she went scrounging through the scrap yard for metal.
2.noun

The act of seeking out or obtaining items, often free or discarded ones, through resourcefulness or petty borrowing.

Example Sentences:
  • After hours of scrounging, they finally collected enough wood for the campfire.
  • His daily routine involved a bit of scrounging around the neighborhood for vintage electronics.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “scrounging”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 19th century, 'scrounge' is likely a blend of dialectal English words such as 'scrog' (to pilfer or collect brushwood) and 'sponge' (to live off others), or related to the Old French 'escroquer' (to swindle).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone 'crouching' down to search the ground for food or discarded items.

Frequently Asked Questions About “scrounging

1. What is the meaning of “scrounging” in English?

In English, scrounging (verb) is defined as: “Present participle of scrounge: seeking to obtain something, typically food or money, at the expense or through the generosity of others or by stealth and resourcefulness.”.

2. How do you use “scrounging” in a sentence?

He spent the afternoon scrounging for leftovers in the kitchen.

3. What are English synonyms of “scrounging”?

Common synonyms include:foraging,mooching,bumming,scavenging

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “scrounging”?

Originating in the late 19th century, 'scrounge' is likely a blend of dialectal English words such as 'scrog' (to pilfer or collect brushwood) and 'sponge' (to live off others), or related to the Old French 'escroquer' (to swindle).