verb
scrounge
SKROWNJ
Scrounge (verb) means to search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available. Example: “We scrounged some firewood from the campsite next door.”
verb
1
To search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available.
"We scrounged some firewood from the campsite next door."
"He scrounged a few dollars together for the bus fare."
noun
1
A person who scrounges; someone who gets by on borrowed or found things.
"He's a bit of a scrounge, always borrowing tools he never returns."
How to use scrounge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo find or get something by resourceful, often opportunistic means.
When to use it
Informal.
Common pairings
scrounge up
scrounge for food
scrounge some cash
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Word forms
- Plural
- scrounges
- Third person singular
- scrounges
- Past tense
- scrounged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We _____ some firewood from the campsite next door.
Etymology
Emerged around 1915 as a variant of a dialect word for prying about or pilfering; it was popularized by soldiers during the First World War.
Class of 1915
scrounge joined the language around 1915.
See the full Class of 1915 →
Related words
Rhymes for scrounge
See all rhymes for scrounge →Frequently asked questions
What does “scrounge” mean?
The word “scrounge” means to search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available. In plain terms, to find or get something by resourceful, often opportunistic means.
How do you pronounce “scrounge”?
“Scrounge” is pronounced SKROWNJ (/ˈskɹaʊ̯nd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “scrounge” in a sentence?
Here is “scrounge” used in a sentence: “We scrounged some firewood from the campsite next door.”
What is another word for “scrounge”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scrounge” include beg, bum, mump, scunge, tap and wheedle.
What part of speech is “scrounge”?
Depending on how it is used, “scrounge” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “scrounge” come from?
The word “scrounge” dates back to around 1915. Emerged around 1915 as a variant of a dialect word for prying about or pilfering; it was popularized by soldiers during the First World War.
How many meanings does “scrounge” have?
“Scrounge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to search for or obtain something, especially by asking others or making do with what is available.
