Definition of RUMMAGE

rummage

Meanings

Plural: rummages

Noun

  • a jumble of things to be given away
  • a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion)
    • "he gave the attic a good rummage but couldn't find his skis"
  • A thorough search, usually resulting in disorder.
  • 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.

Verb

  • search haphazardly
    • "We rummaged through the drawers"
  • To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
  • To search a vessel for smuggled goods.
  • To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
  • To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
  • 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.

Origin / Etymology

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).

Scrabble Score: 12

rummage is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
rummage is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
rummage is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

rummage is a valid Words With Friends word