scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp 

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

ˈskrim-pē 

adjective

Synonyms of scrimp

• save
• economize
• conserve
• spare
• skimp

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

But that isn’t because the five-star hotel has scrimped on the restoration work – far from it. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 29 July 2026

Rossmönster Havn Camper Van $308,998 Running smooth on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis, this off-grid van doesn’t scrimp on luxury. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Roberts instead scrimped on groceries and Christmas gifts for her kids and paid off more than $6,000 over two years. — Noam Levey, NPR, 11 May 2026

Embracing a back-to-safari-basics approach, Enduata aims to focus on what’s important without scrimping on comfort. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for scrimp

• blimp
• chimp
• crimp
• imp
• limp
• pimp
• shrimp
• skimp
• wimp

Kids Definition

scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp 

1

: to make too small or short : skimp

2

: economize sense 1