rummage

[ ruhm-ij ]
/ ˈrʌm ɪdʒ /

verb (used with object), rum·maged, rum·mag·ing.

to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.
to find, bring, or fetch by searching (often followed by out or up).

verb (used without object), rum·maged, rum·mag·ing.

to search actively, as in a place or receptacle or within oneself: She rummaged in her mind for the forgotten name.

noun

miscellaneous articles; odds and ends.
a rummaging search.

Origin of rummage

1520–30; aphetic alteration of Middle French arrumage, equivalent to arrum(er) to stow goods in the hold of a ship (< ?) + -age -age

OTHER WORDS FROM rummage

rum·mag·er, noun un·rum·maged, adjective

Words nearby rummage

rumford, rumi, ruminant, ruminate, ruml, rummage, rummage out, rummage sale, rummer, rummy, rumor

British Dictionary definitions for rummage out (1 of 2)

rummage out

rummage up

verb

(tr) to find by searching vigorously; turn out

British Dictionary definitions for rummage out (2 of 2)

rummage
/ (ˈrʌmɪdʒ) /

verb

(when intr , often foll by through) to search (through) while looking for something, often causing disorder or confusion

noun

an act of rummaging
a jumble of articles
obsolete confusion or bustle

Derived forms of rummage

rummager, noun

Word Origin for rummage

C14 (in the sense: to pack a cargo): from Old French arrumage, from arrumer to stow in a ship's hold, probably of Germanic origin