rummage around

To dig or root around aimlessly (in or through some cluttered location). Usually used in the continuous tense. I think I can hear Tom rummaging around up in the attic again. A raccoon had gotten into the dumpster and was rummaging around for something to eat. He walked into the office and caught two men rummaging around.

rummage around (somewhere) (for something)

to move things about haphazardly while looking for something somewhere. Alice rummaged around in the drawer for a candy bar she had been saving. After she rummaged around for the candy bar, she found it. She rummaged around in the old trunk.

See also: around, rummage

See also:

References in classic literature

Then we would make up the rest of the standing army out of commonplace materi- als, and officer it with nobodies, as was proper -- nobodies selected on a basis of mere efficiency -- and we would make this regiment toe the line, allow it no aristocratic freedom from restraint, and force it to do all the work and persistent hammering, to the end that whenever the King's Own was tired and wanted to go off for a change and rummage around amongst ogres and have a good time, it could go without uneasiness, knowing that matters were in safe hands behind it, and business going to be continued at the old stand, same as usual.

View in context

There are dozens of articles and photographs, many unseen for almost half-a-century - unless you've been up in the attic for a rummage around recently!

It's back to the days when hair was long and shorts were short!

I'm so depressed that I keep looking at Paul and asking: "Why?!" Why can't he rummage around in my stockings tomorrow night?

Sexy ad ban's just crackers

One source said: "It'll be fascinating to see the gang rummage around in events which have changed the course of history."

Doctor Who, when & why; SQUARE EYES; Thinking outside the box with Nicola & Mark

"He had a rummage around, found nothing of value and discarded the items."

Gas worker's ID badge stolen

"They had a good old rummage around, which was really painful, but I just needed to know."

Doctors found a spider building web in my ear; Mum's creepy-crawly horror at A&E

Then I'll rummage around for some fresh local food, vintage clothes or a new upcycling project in the steady stream of eclectic shops, dodging buggies as I go - it's nicknamed nappy valley for a reason!

YOUR PERFECT SUNDAY

THERE'S a shop around the corner from Suzi Dorey in Cardiff that she just can't resist having a regular rummage around.

Framing a perfect idea for upcycling

They need to be able to hop around, play, generally rummage around and graze, ideally, so make sure your rabbit has the opportunity to do this daily.

Ask the vet PDSA VET IAN FLEMING ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS KEYHOLE ITV 9.30pm Keith Lemon (left) dons a Santa hat to rummage around the homes of mystery celebs.

BOXING DAY

The glamorous model is used to living the high life, but she got a taste of what it's like to be like everyone else as she had to open her bags and rummage around for her receipts in front of a crowd of onlookers.

Alex Gerrard left embarrassed during security check on shopping trip

While you're at it, rummage around in the Web site's trademark label section.

Buzzworthy

CELEBRITIES always ask shopkeepers to close their stores down especially for them to have a good old rummage around but now it is your chance to have your very own exclusive shop.

culture: Private shopping evening to be won