verb

grub

To dig persistently in search of something.

The pigs grub in the soft soil for edible roots.

Etymology

The older verb meant to dig. Grubbing retains that action, especially persistent digging or searching close to the ground.

More examples

  • They grub in the mud for clams at low tide.
  • We grubbed out stubborn roots before planting the garden.
  • She grubs through old receipts to find proof of payment.

Forms

grub · grubs · grubbed · grubbing

Similar words

dig
Means breaking or moving earth, without necessarily searching persistently.
rummage
Emphasizes searching through jumbled contents rather than digging in soil.
scrounge
Emphasizes finding needed supplies rather than the effort of digging.