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

• economize
• pinch
• save
• skimp
• spare

Example Sentences

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

Music fans who would give anything to see their favorite artists live are paying hundreds and scrimping elsewhere as ticket prices soar. —Rachel Wolfe, wsj.com, 20 Apr. 2023

Within this austerity, the supporting cast does, like Nora, still manage to scrimp and save and come up with something good. —Vulture, 9 Mar. 2023

Ray scrimped on food and bought a CD player. —Billboard China, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2023

And don’t scrimp. —Marni Jameson, orlandosentinel.com, 26 Mar. 2021

Don’t scrimp, since quality fabric and years of longevity shouldn’t come cheap. —Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 6 Mar. 2023

But that is not enough to keep up with inflation, and many Americans are having to scrimp to pay for groceries, gasoline, even school supplies. —Paul Wiseman, ajc, 5 Aug. 2022

Keep costs low but don’t scrimp on style with this flickering flame candle. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2022

In days of yore, housewives often needed to scrimp, even on essentials. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Nov. 2022

See More

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

Kids Definition

scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp 

1

: to make too small or short : skimp

2

: economize sense 1