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 Inflation is causing people to scrimp – and splurge. Betty Lin-Fisher, USA TODAY, 10 June 2024 While shopping, some chefs scrimped by choosing inexpensive products and sharing ingredients with one another. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024 The designers didn’t scrimp on high-tech creature comforts, either. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024 There's no need to scrimp and save to pick up the latest Samsung tech, as some of the best bargains are available in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Kegan Mooney, PCMAG, 21 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scrimp 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scrimp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near scrimp

Cite this Entry

“Scrimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrimp. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

scrimp

verb
1
: to make too small or short : skimp
2
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