scrimp

verb

ˈskrimp How to pronounce scrimp (audio)
scrimped; scrimping; scrimps
Synonyms of scrimpnext

transitive verb

1
: to be stingy in providing for
2
: to make too small, short, or scanty

intransitive verb

: to be frugal or stingy
scrimpy
ˈskrim-pē How to pronounce scrimp (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of scrimp

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Examples of scrimp in a Sentence

They scrimped and saved for their big vacation. had to scrimp and save for years in order to be able to afford a house
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While administrations scrimped, the fleet aged. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 The power went out intermittently, and families scrimped to get enough food. — Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 Roberts instead scrimped on groceries and Christmas gifts for her kids and paid off more than $6,000 over two years. — Noam Levey, NPR, 11 May 2026 The Premier League, too, does not scrimp on its legal representation. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scrimp

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish skrympa to shrink, Middle Low German schrempen to contract — more at shrimp

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scrimp was circa 1691

Rhymes for scrimp

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Browse Nearby Words

scrimmager
scrimp
scrimption
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scrimp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scrimp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scrimp

verb
ˈskrimp How to pronounce scrimp (audio)
1
: to make too small or short : skimp
2
: economize sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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