Definition

A person or animal that searches for and collects things that are discarded or dead, often for food or useful materials.

Example

The scavenger bird searched for food among the trash.

Conversation

Did you know that there are actual birds called scavengers?

Really? What do they eat?

They mainly feed on dead animals and help clean up the environment.

That's interesting! Nature has its own cleanup crew.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Scavenger → The word originates from the Middle English 'scavager', which comes from the Old French 'esquavager' (meaning to collect or gather). It refers to a person who collects or gathers discarded items, often from waste.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'gathers' ('esquavager') things that are 'discarded' — that's why a scavenger is someone who collects what others throw away.

Visually Confused Words