Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

scrounge

 - 3 dictionary results

scrounge

  [skrounj] verb, scrounged, scroung⋅ing, noun
Use scrounge in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to borrow (a small amount or item) with no intention of repaying or returning it: to scrounge a cigarette.
2. to gather together by foraging; seek out: We'll try to scrounge enough food for supper from the neighbors.
–verb (used without object)
3. to borrow, esp. a small item one is not expected to return or replace.
–noun
4. a habitual borrower; sponger.
5. an act or instance of scrounging.
6. a person who exists by foraging. Also, scrounger (for defs. 4, 6).
—Verb phrase
7. scrounge around, to search or forage for something, esp. in a haphazard or disorganized fashion; hunt for: We scrounged around for something to eat.
Origin:
1905–10; alter. of dial. scringe to glean
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To scrounge
scrounge   (skrounj)   
v.   scrounged, scroung·ing, scroung·es Slang

v.   tr.

  1. To obtain (something) by begging or borrowing with no intention of reparation: scrounged a few dollars off my brother.

  2. To obtain by salvaging or foraging; round up.

v.   intr.

  1. To seek to obtain something by begging or borrowing with no intention of reparation: scrounge for a cigarette.

  2. To forage about in an effort to acquire something at no cost: scrounging around the kitchen for a late-night snack.


[Alteration of dialectal scrunge, to steal.]
scroung'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

scrounge 
"to acquire by irregular means," 1915, alteration of dialectal scrunge "to search stealthily, rummage, pilfer" (1909), of uncertain origin, perhaps from dial. scringe "to pry about." Popularized by the military in World War I. Perhaps related to scrouge, scrooge "push, jostle" (1755, Cockney slang for "a crowd"), probably suggestive of screw, squeeze.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see scrounge on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way