forage

[ fawr-ij, for- ]

noun

1. food for horses or cattle; fodder; provender.
2. the seeking or obtaining of such food.
3. the act of searching for provisions of any kind.
4. a raid.

verb (used without object)

, for·aged, for·ag·ing.

1. to wander or go in search of provisions.
2. to search about; seek; rummage; hunt:

   He went foraging in the attic for old mementos.

3. to make a raid.

verb (used with object)

, for·aged, for·ag·ing.

1. to collect forage from; strip of supplies; plunder:

   to forage the countryside.

2. to supply with forage.
3. to obtain by foraging.

forage

/ ˈfɒrɪdʒ /

noun

1. food for horses or cattle, esp hay or straw
2. the act of searching for food or provisions
3. military a raid or incursion

verb

1. to search (the countryside or a town) for food, provisions, etc
2. intr military to carry out a raid
3. tr to obtain by searching about
4. tr to give food or other provisions to
5. tr to feed (cattle or horses) with such food

Derived Forms

• ˈforager, noun

Other Words From

• for·ag·er noun
• un·for·aged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forage¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Old French fourrage, derivative of fuerre fodder (from Germanic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of forage¹

C14: from Old French fourrage , probably of Germanic origin; see food , fodder

Synonym Study

See feed.

Example Sentences

"If it wasn't grazed and managed with cows, there would be a lot more forage and then once in a while, there would be a massive fire which would have a detrimental effect and do away with this beautiful area."

From BBC

Her family lost their entire cattle herd after flooding last year and now survive on government aid along with anything they can forage.

From BBC

Mr Rensten is the founder of Forage London which organises courses and walks across the capital.

From BBC

She says her favourite places to forage for wild food are along the canals and marshes in east London.

From BBC

"At this time of year you can forage for salad plants," he adds.

From BBC

Related Words

• comb
• rummage
• scour
• scrounge