Dredge

To dredge means to clear the bed of a body of water by scooping out mud, weeds, and other unwanted material with a dredge, a machine designed for this purpose. Figuratively, it can mean to search through something, especially documents or memories, for information or objects. It also encompasses covering food in a dry ingredient, such as flour or sugar. This versatile verb describes activities that reshape environments, retrieve objects, or modify materials through removal or application.

Dredge meaning with examples

• The construction company used a large dredge to deepen the shipping channel, allowing larger vessels to pass safely. The dredge meticulously removed years of accumulated silt and debris from the riverbed. They worked tirelessly, day and night, ensuring the project was completed within the given timeline and with minimal environmental impact.
• Archaeologists will dredge the site to unearth artifacts and clues about the civilization that once lived there. Each careful scoop of the dredge promised to provide new insights into the past. They hoped to find objects of significance. The slow and methodical process was expected to take several months.
• Before frying the chicken, she dredged each piece in seasoned flour. This process ensured the chicken would have a crispy and golden crust when cooked. She made sure each piece was thoroughly covered to create an even distribution of flour to ensure a perfect result.
• He had to dredge his memory to recall where he had put his car keys. Despite the years that have passed, the memory eventually resurfaced. The effort was akin to sifting through a pile of old papers and records until he eventually stumbled on the necessary information.