1 C1 informal
To search quickly and untidily through a collection of items.
"He was ratting through the kitchen drawers looking for a pen."
inseparable
rat through
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To search quickly and untidily through something; a rare and informal expression.
In plain English
To dig around through a pile of things looking for something — like a rat rummaging around.
What does "rat through" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Moving through something the way a rat does — quickly, intrusively, and without order.
Actually means
To dig around through a pile of things looking for something — like a rat rummaging around.
Usage tip
'Rat through' is not widely recorded in standard dictionaries and is rare in everyday use. Where it does appear, it describes quick, untidy searching. More established alternatives include 'rummage through,' 'rifle through,' or 'root through.' The image is of a rat scurrying and rummaging.
Words that pair with "rat through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bags drawers pockets papers belongings
How to conjugate "rat through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rat through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rats through
he/she/it
Past simple
rated through
yesterday
Past participle
rated through
have + pp
-ing form
rating through
continuous
Hear "rat through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rat through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.