foraging

[ fawr-i-jing, for- ]

noun

1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.

adjective

1. characterized by or dependent upon the acquisition of food by such means; food-gathering:

   a foraging people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foraging¹

First recorded in 1480–90; forage ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun, forage ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

Most ants have two morphologically differentiated adult castes -- queens and workers -- each irreversibly specialized for either reproduction or nonreproductive altruism such as foraging, defense and care of maternal brood.

From Science Daily

There is some food aid, but many in the area survive by foraging for water lily roots and fish to supplement their rations.

From BBC

"The rangers office is amazing for managing foraging for locals," she adds.

From BBC

The decadent Brillat-Savarin, a triple-cream delight, embodies the vibrant foraging of goats, while Spring Cheddar — made from the milk of cows that have grazed spring pastures — is subtly sweet and lightly herbaceous.

From Salon

The boars have been known to go hunting for food in the local neighbourhoods when foraging becomes harder in the nearby forest.

From BBC