# rummage

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈɹʌm.ɪd͡ʒ/ · frequency rank #50,783

## Definitions
1. To arrange (cargo, goods, etc.) in the hold of a ship; to move or rearrange such goods.
2. To search a vessel for smuggled goods.
3. To search something thoroughly and with disregard for the way in which things were arranged.
4. 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.

## 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).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rummage