Scavenger - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A scavenger is an animal or person that searches for and feeds on dead or decaying matter. It can also refer to someone who collects discarded items for reuse.
Definition:
An organism or person that collects and consumes discarded items or prey left by others.
Synonyms:
collector, forager, rummager, gleaner
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
producer, creator
Common Collocations:
scavenger hunt, scavenger bird, scavenger animal, urban scavenger
Derivatives:
scavenge, scavenging
Usage Tips:
Use "scavenger" to describe animals or people who search for waste or leftovers; avoid using it for organized collectors like recyclers.
Common Phrases:
scavenger hunt, nature's scavenger, urban scavenger
Etymology:
Derived from Middle English "scavager," referring to an official who collected tolls, later evolving to mean someone who collects refuse.
Examples:
- 1. The vulture is a well-known scavenger in nature.
- 2. We organized a fun scavenger hunt for the kids at the park.
- 3. Rats are often seen as urban scavengers due to their feeding habits.
- 4. The hyena is a skilled scavenger that feeds on leftovers from other predators.