verb
rummage
RUHM-ihj
verb
1
To search through something messily, moving things aside carelessly.
"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
Word Forms
rummaged past tense, Rummages plural, rummages plural, rummages singular
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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.