1 B1 informal
To search through a place or objects by moving things around, especially in an energetic or disorganised way.
"He spent ten minutes rooting around in the garage before he found the spanner."
root around
B1 informal intransitive
To search through something by moving things around, like an animal using its snout.
In plain English
To dig through things looking for something, moving everything around to find it.
What does "root around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To investigate or look for information in a thorough, possibly intrusive way.
"Journalists were rooting around in his personal finances looking for scandal."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To root (dig with a snout) in various directions — the animal imagery is the origin.
Actually means
To dig through things looking for something, moving everything around to find it.
Usage tip
Common in both American and British English, though 'root about' is preferred in British English. Used for humans and animals alike. Often implies a somewhat chaotic or messy search. Frequently followed by 'in' + location: 'root around in the cupboard'.
Words that pair with "root around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
drawer bag fridge cupboard pocket attic box files
How to conjugate "root around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
root around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
roots around
he/she/it
Past simple
rooted around
yesterday
Past participle
rooted around
have + pp
-ing form
rooting around
continuous
Hear "root around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "root around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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