scavenger hunt

American  

noun

1. a game in which individuals or teams are sent out to accumulate, without purchasing, a series of common, outlandish, or humorous objects, the winner being the person or team returning first with all the items.

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scavenger hunt British  

noun

1. a game in which players are required to collect an assortment of miscellaneous items: usually played outdoors

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Etymology

Origin of scavenger hunt

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Compare meaning

How does scavenger-hunt compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• scavenger hunt vs. treasure hunt

Example Sentences

At one man's request, the agency devised a "Mission Impossible" production for an adventurous young woman: an iPad delivered in the morning launched a scavenger hunt across Paris by sidecar and by boat.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

It’s the reason meal kits feel so soothing — everything ready, nothing frantic, no mid-recipe scavenger hunt for a missing clove of garlic.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

For families, the museum provides a special guide and activities that include a scavenger hunt, try-on clothing and a selfie station.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

At the Mall on Tuesday, I felt a surge of recognition when I saw a crowd of 6-year-olds rush by clutching pencils and pads, clearly engaged in some kind of scavenger hunt.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2025

You have found the first clue in Garrison Griswold's literary scavenger hunt launched on November 10.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman