foraging

American  

[fawr-i-jing, for-] / ˈfɔr ɪ dʒɪŋ, ˈfɒr- /

noun

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

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adjective

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

   a foraging people.

Etymology

Origin of foraging

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

Example Sentences

One nearby farm camp promised to teach children skills like foraging, composting and mindfulness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

“Experiences like seaweed foraging invite travelers to slow down, engage with the natural environment and learn directly from local experts, creating a deeper emotional connection to the destination.”

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

The elephant's gradiated structure can help with things like object differentiation while foraging and eating -- which they spend the vast majority of their time doing.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

California officials are warning Northern and Central Coast residents against foraging for mushrooms amid an outbreak of mushroom poisoning.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 8, 2026

Then I went foraging for fronds from the different palm species on the island, as well as for vines and reeds, dragging my harvest back and piling it into a heap.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo