Added 9 October 2026
rummage
/ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/ verb
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about rummage at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- 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.
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.
Origin
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).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)