noun
C2
Proficient
scavenger
SKAV-uhn-juh
Scavenger (noun) means a person who searches through discarded items for useful things. Example: “The scavenger found an old bicycle in the skip.”
noun
1
A person who searches through discarded items for useful things.
"A scavenger picked through the rubbish heap."
"The scavenger found an old bicycle in the skip."
2
An animal that feeds on carrion or waste rather than hunting live prey.
"Vultures are scavengers that clean up carcasses left by predators."
"Vultures are natural scavengers."
How to use scavenger
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or some animal) that survives by finding and using what others have left behind or discarded.
Common pairings
scavenger hunt
natural scavenger
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Word forms
- Plural
- scavengers
- Third person singular
- scavengers
- Past tense
- scavengered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ found an old bicycle in the skip.
Etymology
From Middle English scavager, originally referring to a tax collector or inspector of goods, later reinterpreted as coming from "scavenge" plus "-er."
Synonyms
View more →
magpie
pack rat
Related words
Rhymes for scavenger
See all rhymes for 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.
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