Meaning of the word scavenger in English

What does scavenger mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

scavenger

US /ˈskæv.ɪn.dʒɚ/
UK /ˈskæv.ɪn.dʒər/

Noun

1.

an animal that feeds on carrion, refuse, or other decaying matter

Example:
Vultures are well-known scavengers in the animal kingdom.
Raccoons often act as urban scavengers, searching for food in trash cans.
2.

a person who searches for and collects discarded items

Example:
The old man was a familiar sight, a scavenger sifting through bins for anything valuable.
The children enjoyed being scavengers on the beach, looking for seashells and interesting pebbles.
Related Word: