verb
rummage
RUHM-ihj
Rummage (verb) means to search through something messily, moving things aside carelessly. Example: “She rummaged through her bag looking for the keys.”
verb
1
To search through something messily, moving things aside carelessly.
"She rummaged in the drawers trying to find the missing sock."
"She rummaged through her bag looking for the keys."
"He rummaged around in the attic for old photographs."
How to use rummage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo search through a pile or space in a disorganized way, often making a mess in the process.
Common pairings
rummage through
rummage sale
rummage around
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- rummages
- Past tense
- rummaged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ through her bag looking for the keys.
Etymology
From Old French arrumage, "the arranging of cargo in a ship's hold," originally a nautical term for stowing goods.
Rhymes for rummage
See all rhymes for rummage →Frequently asked questions
What does “rummage” mean?
The word “rummage” means to search through something messily, moving things aside carelessly. In plain terms, to search through a pile or space in a disorganized way, often making a mess in the process.
How do you pronounce “rummage”?
“Rummage” is pronounced RUHM-ihj (/ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rummage” in a sentence?
Here is “rummage” used in a sentence: “She rummaged through her bag looking for the keys.”
What part of speech is “rummage”?
“Rummage” is a verb.
Where does the word “rummage” come from?
The word “rummage” comes from Old French. From Old French arrumage, "the arranging of cargo in a ship's hold," originally a nautical term for stowing goods.
