Rummage

Quick meaning: Rummage is a verb meaning (transitive, nautical) To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.

Meaning

(transitive, nautical) To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.

More Meanings

1. (transitive, nautical) To search a vessel for smuggled goods.
2. (transitive) To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
3. A thorough search, usually resulting in disorder.
4. A disorganized collection of miscellaneous objects; a jumble.
5. (nautical) A place or room for the stowage of cargo in a ship.
6. (intransitive) To hastily search for something in a confined space and among many items by carelessly turning things over or pushing things aside; dig through carelessly.
7. (obsolete) Commotion; disturbance.

Example Sentences

She rummaged her purse in search of the keys.

She rummaged in the drawers trying to find the missing sock.

After the long voyage, the customs officers rummaged the ship.

The burglars rummaged the entire house for cash and jewellery.

Word Forms

• rummages
• rummaging
• rummaged

Synonyms for rummage

Depending on context, synonyms include ransack, rifle, trawl, romage, digging, ransacking.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include digging, ransacking, rout, roll, rumple, rumble.

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