rummage

[ ruhm-ij ]

verb (used with object)

, rum·maged, rum·mag·ing.

1. to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.
2. to find, bring, or fetch by searching (often followed by out or up ).

verb (used without object)

, rum·maged, rum·mag·ing.

1. to search actively, as in a place or receptacle or within oneself:

   She rummaged in her mind for the forgotten name.

noun

1. miscellaneous articles; odds and ends.
2. a rummaging search.

rummage

/ ˈrʌmɪdʒ /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by through to search (through) while looking for something, often causing disorder or confusion

noun

1. an act of rummaging
2. a jumble of articles
3. obsolete.
   confusion or bustle

Derived Forms

• ˈrummager, noun

Other Words From

• rummag·er noun
• un·rummaged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummage¹

1520–30; aphetic alteration of Middle French arrumage, equivalent to arrum ( er ) to stow goods in the hold of a ship (< ?) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummage¹

C14 (in the sense: to pack a cargo): from Old French arrumage , from arrumer to stow in a ship's hold, probably of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

Mr. Retro calls out, and everyone in line seems to rummage through their bags.

From Literature

I grab my backpack and rummage around till my fingers find the small leather pouch tucked inside, the Miss Peachy’s bag.

From Literature

One is that a year later, Best’s endorsement is still featured on Ferguson’s campaign page — along with backing from any other police chief or prosecutor, past or present, that he can rummage.

From Seattle Times

“My helper, I gave to her,” Jeong said over his shoulder as he continued to rummage.

From Los Angeles Times

The Chicago Sports Spectacular, one of the country’s biggest and oldest card shows, is like a rummage sale from the days before eBay, but with way more money involved.

From New York Times

Related Words

• comb
• forage
• poke
• scour