Root around Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹut/ /ɝˈaʊn/, /ɝˈaʊnd
ROOT-uh-ROWND
ɹˈuːt/ /ɐɹˈaʊnd
root-uh-ROWND
Definition
To search for something by moving things around or looking through things in a disorganized or thorough way, especially with your hands.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, used mainly in UK and sometimes Australia. Often followed by 'in/through' plus a place or container ('root around in my bag'). Implies a bit of messiness or searching without a clear method. Not to be confused with 'root for' (to support).
Spanish: hurgar - rebuscarPortuguese (BR): remexer - fuçarPortuguese (PT): remexer - vasculharChinese (Simplified): 翻找 - 翻寻Chinese (Traditional): 翻找 - 翻尋Hindi: टटोलना - खोजबीन करनाArabic: يفتش (بحثًا) - ينبشBengali: ঘাঁটাঘাঁটি করা - অগোছালোভাবে খোঁজাRussian: рыться - копатьсяJapanese: ごそごそ探すVietnamese: lục lọi - bới tìmKorean: 뒤적이다Turkish: karıştırmak - didiklemekUrdu: ٹٹولنا - چیزوں میں سے تلاش کرناIndonesian: mengobrak-abrik - mengacak-acak mencari
Example Sentences
I rooted around in my bag for my keys.
basic
The dog rooted around in the garden for its bone.
basic
She rooted around in the drawer for a pen.
basic
I spent ten minutes rooting around in the fridge but couldn’t find any milk.
natural
Could you stop rooting around in my stuff?
natural
He likes to root around in old bookstores for rare finds.
natural