rummage

1 of 2

verb

rum·​mage ˈrə-mij 

rummaged; rummaging

intransitive verb

1

: to make a thorough search or investigation

2

: to engage in an undirected or haphazard search

transitive verb

1

: to make a thorough search through : ransack

rummaged the attic

2

: to examine minutely and completely

3

: to discover by searching

rummager noun

rummage

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a confused miscellaneous collection

b

: items for sale at a rummage sale

2

: a thorough search especially among a confusion of objects

Synonyms

Verb

• find
• discover
• learn
• locate
• get

Noun

• jumble
• assortment
• variety
• medley
• collage
• clutter

Examples of rummage in a Sentence

Verb

He rummaged through the attic for his baseball card collection.

He rummaged in his pocket for the receipt.

I heard you rummaging around in the refrigerator.

Noun

a rummage of textbooks, notebooks, and old school papers all over the desk

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Dogs around Delhi usually mind their business, which includes basking in the sun, rummaging through trash for food or chasing away rats. —Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2025

This sleek, clear bag makes the liquids rule effortless, so, no more rummaging at security or awkwardly unpacking mid-line. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

Noun

At that rummage-y point several years ago, Ben Stiller had no idea where his filmic lark would lead. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025

Our bill will block the President and his 'DOGE' from moving forward with their plans to close field offices, undermine customer service at the Social Security Administration, and rummage through your personal records. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

obsolete English romage act of stowing cargo, modification of Middle French arrimage, from arrimer to stow, from a- (from Latin ad-) + -rimer, from Middle English rimen to open up, make room for, from Old English rȳman — more at ream

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing rummage

• have a rummage
• rummage sale

Kids Definition

rummage

1 of 2 verb

rum·​mage ˈrəm-ij 

rummaged; rummaging

: to make an active search especially by moving, turning, or looking through the contents of a place or container

rummaging through the attic

rummage

2 of 2 noun

: a confused miscellaneous collection of articles