excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the action or process of excavating

2

: a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping

excavational

ˌek-skə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The main temple complex, the excavation of which has now finished, is thought to have been built between 144 B.C. and A.D. 138. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The excavation also points to the importance of using multiple research methods to thoroughly examine a resource-dense area. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2024

Several decades ago, excavations were restarted and are ongoing. —John Oseid, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The excavations of Drumanagh have been led by Christine Baker, Heritage officer and archaeologist at Fingal County Council. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin excavātiōn-, excavātiō, from excavāre "to hollow out, excavate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the act or process of excavating

2

: a hollowed-out place formed by excavating

Medical Definition

excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the action or process of excavating

2

: a cavity formed by or as if by cutting, digging, or scooping