rummage Meaning & Definition
What Does Rummage Mean?
Rummage is used as a noun meaning A thorough search, usually resulting in disorder. It is also used to mean Commotion; disturbance. As a verb, it means To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
Word Facts for Rummage
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | digging, ransacking and romage |
| Plural | rummages |
| Verb forms | rummages, rummaging, rummaged |
Rummage Definition (Noun)
- A thorough search, usually resulting in disorder.
Have a rummage through the attic and see if you can find anything worth selling.
- Commotion; disturbance.
- A disorganized collection of miscellaneous objects; a jumble.
- A place or room for the stowage of cargo in a ship.
- The act of stowing cargo; the pulling and moving about of packages incident to close stowage.
Rummage as a Verb
- To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
- To search a vessel for smuggled goods.
After the long voyage, the customs officers rummaged the ship.
- To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
She rummaged her purse in search of the keys.
Synonyms of Rummage
Rummage synonyms and antonyms →Rummage in a Sentence
Have a rummage through the attic and see if you can find anything worth selling.
After the long voyage, the customs officers rummaged the ship.
She rummaged her purse in search of the keys.
Word Forms & Grammar
rummage (third-person singular simple present rummages, present participle rummaging, simple past and past participle rummaged)
rummage (countable and uncountable, plural rummages)
Words That Rhyme With Rummage
Origin of Rummage
From Middle English ronage, from Old French arrumage (compare French arrimage), from arrumer (“to arrange the cargo in the hold”) (compare French arrimer and Spanish arrumar).
Rummage Pronunciation
Rummage is pronounced /ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (ɹʌm).
Questions People Ask About Rummage
Is rummage a noun or a verb?
Rummage is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for rummage?
You can replace rummage with words such as digging, ransacking and romage. See the full list of rummage synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of rummage?
The plural of rummage is rummages.
What is the past tense of rummage?
The past tense of rummage is rummaged. The present participle is rummaging.