scavenging - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

scavenging

|scav-eng-ing|

/ˈskævɪndʒɪŋ/

(scavenge)

search and collect

Base Form	Present	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle
scavenge	scavenges	scavenges	scavenged	scavenged	scavenging

Etymology

Etymology Information

'scavenge' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'scavager,' where 'scavage' meant 'a toll or duty on goods.'

Historical Evolution

'scavager' transformed into the modern English word 'scavenge' through the influence of the verb 'to scavenge,' meaning to clean streets.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to clean streets,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'searching for usable items in waste.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to search for and collect anything usable from discarded waste.

The raccoons were scavenging through the trash bins.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to feed on dead or decaying matter.

Vultures are known for scavenging on carcasses.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/03/07 18:36