root around

root around

To dig or rummage aimlessly (in or through some cluttered location). Usually used in the continuous tense. Tom rooted around the attic for a while, but he couldn't find his old comic book location. A raccoon had gotten into the dumpster and was rooting around for something to eat. He walked into the office and caught two men rooting around.See also: around, root

root around (for something)

to dig or shuffle in or through something, looking for something. Alice rooted around in her desk drawer for a pen. I'll root around here and see if I can find it.See also: around, root