scrimp

verb

scrimped; scrimping; scrimps

transitive verb

1
: to be stingy in providing for
2
: to make too small, short, or scanty

intransitive verb

: to be frugal or stingy
scrimpy adjective

Examples of scrimp in a Sentence

They scrimped and saved for their big vacation. had to scrimp and save for years in order to be able to afford a house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To her, people who scrimped and saved and eked out a mean existence were as idiotic as people who got themselves into debt. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 15 June 2025 Denzel Washington confronts photographer in tense moment at Cannes Film Festival Watson did not scrimp in the glamour department for her 2013 Cannes debut either. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 23 May 2025 To The Boss: Don’t scrimp on leadership development—especially coaching. Tom Roberts, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 But, in an effort to save money, many people scrimp on rug size. Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrimp

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish skrympa to shrink, Middle Low German schrempen to contract — more at shrimp

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrimp was circa 1691

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrimp. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

scrimp

verb
1
: to make too small or short : skimp
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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