forage
UK: ˈfɒr.ɪdʒ | US: ˈfɔːr.ɪdʒ
n. 1. Food for horses or cattle, especially dried hay or grass.
v. 2. To search widely for food or provisions.
v. 3. To collect or gather resources by searching.
The word "forage" traces back to the idea of searching outside (for-) for resources, originally referring to fodder gathered for livestock. Over time, it expanded to describe the act of searching for any provisions, reflecting the practical need to secure supplies beyond immediate surroundings.
Deer often forage for leaves and berries in the forest.
Farmers stored extra forage for the winter months.
The soldiers had to forage for food in the deserted village.
Bees forage nectar from flowers to make honey.
During the drought, cattle struggled to find enough forage.