scavenger
2 synonyms for scavenger, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who searches through discarded items for useful things.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
magpie
pack rat
How to use scavenger
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scavenger hunt
natural scavenger
Etymology
From Middle English scavager, originally referring to a tax collector or inspector of goods, later reinterpreted as coming from "scavenge" plus "-er."
Full origin of scavenger →Frequently asked questions
What does “scavenger” mean?
The word “scavenger” means a person who searches through discarded items for useful things. In plain terms, someone (or some animal) that survives by finding and using what others have left behind or discarded.
How do you pronounce “scavenger”?
“Scavenger” is pronounced SKAV-uhn-juh (/ˈskæv.ən.d͡ʒə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “scavenger” in a sentence?
Here is “scavenger” used in a sentence: “The scavenger found an old bicycle in the skip.”
What part of speech is “scavenger”?
“Scavenger” is a noun.
Where does the word “scavenger” come from?
The word “scavenger” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scavager, originally referring to a tax collector or inspector of goods, later reinterpreted as coming from "scavenge" plus "-er.".
How many meanings does “scavenger” have?
“Scavenger” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who searches through discarded items for useful things.
