Scrounge

/skraʊndʒ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To seek to obtain or collect something, typically by borrowing or foraging.

He managed to scrounge up enough money for his train ticket.

To gather scraps or possessions from others, often in a haphazard or unorganized manner.

She likes to scrounge for interesting items at yard sales.

To use or take something without permission or as a last resort.

During the tough times, they had to scrounge food from their neighbors.

Origin unknown; possibly from the dialectal scrounge (to scrape).

scrounge around

to search for something, often items that are discarded or leftover.

scrounge up

to gather something that is difficult to find.

scavenger

a person who collects discarded items.

mendicant

a beggar; someone who lives by public charity.

To get something for free or without much effort.

I managed to scrounge a ride to the concert.

To live off others' generosity.

He's been scrounging off his parents for months.