forage

1 of 2

noun

for·​age ˈfȯr-ij 

ˈfär-

1

: food for animals especially when taken by browsing or grazing

The grass serves as forage for livestock.

2

[forage entry 2] : the act of foraging : search for provisions

They made forages to find food.

forage

2 of 2

verb

foraged; foraging

transitive verb

1

: to strip of provisions : collect forage from

2

: to secure by foraging

foraged mushrooms for dinner

intransitive verb

1

: to wander in search of forage or food

2

: to secure forage (as for horses) by stripping the country

3

: ravage, raid

4

: to make a search : rummage

forager noun

Synonyms of forage

Verb

• graze
• pasture

Examples of forage in a Sentence

Noun

The grass serves as forage for livestock.

Verb

The cows were foraging in the pasture.

He had to forage for firewood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some herbicides used on pastures to improve forage don't break down and can damage garden plants. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy also is offering a service opportunity, partnering with the Muwekma Ohlone Preservation Foundation to plant a new native forage garden near Taylor Street and close to the Rotary PlayGarden. —Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2026

Verb

One woman living in the Florida Keys was inspired to forage for one food item each day. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Guests can join him on foraging expeditions and in nutrition workshops. —Jen Murphy, Outside, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from fuerre, foer fodder, straw, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fuotar food, fodder — more at food

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for forage

• borage
• porridge
• storage

Kids Definition

forage

1 of 2 noun

for·​age ˈfȯr-ij 

ˈfär-

1

: food (as pasture) for browsing or grazing animals

2

: a search for food or supplies

forage

2 of 2 verb

foraged; foraging

1

: browse entry 1 sense 1, graze

2

: to make a search especially for food or supplies

forage for grain

forage for firewood

3

: to get by foraging

forager noun