excavator

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: one that excavates
especially : a power-operated shovel

Examples of excavator in a Sentence

The excavators found ancient tools at the site.
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.
Workers operated excavators to pull large objects and mangled metal from building foundations, tossing the debris into freight containers. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 4:10 a.m. when a white Honda veered off the highway and into the median, and collided with an excavator. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 12 Feb. 2025 Sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), extensive development efforts are underway for a lunar excavator machine (Figure 5). Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Quarry operators provided assistance during the excavation, including specialized equipment such as excavators and rock saws. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for excavator

Word History

Etymology

excavate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excavator was circa 1815

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Cite this Entry

“Excavator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavator. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

excavator

noun
ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: an instrument used to open bodily cavities (as in the teeth) or remove material from them
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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