rummaging

Verb

rummage (third-person singular simple present rummages, present participle rummaging, simple past and past participle rummaged)

1. (transitive) To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
2. (transitive) To search a vessel for smuggled goods.
   • After the long voyage, the customs officers rummaged the ship.
3. (transitive) To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
   • She rummaged her purse in search of the keys.
4. (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.
   • She rummaged in the drawers trying to find the missing sock.

   Synonyms:

   ransack, rifle, trawl

See all 10 meanings of rummage