archaeology

American  

[ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌɑr kiˈɒl ə dʒi /

Or archeology

noun

1. the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, especially those that have been excavated.

2. Rare. ancient history; the study of antiquity.

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archaeology British  

/ ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌɑːkɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of man's past by scientific analysis of the material remains of his cultures See also prehistory protohistory

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archaeology Scientific  

/ är′kē-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of past human life and culture by the examination of physical remains, such as graves, tools, and pottery.

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archaeology Cultural  

1. The recovery and study of material objects, such as graves, buildings, tools, artworks, and human remains, to investigate the structure and behavior of past cultures. Archaeologists rely on physical remains as clues to the emergence and development of human societies and civilizations. Anthropologists, by contrast, to interact with living people to study their cultures.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• archaeologically
  adverb
• archaeological
  adjective
• archaeologist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of archaeology

First recorded in 1600–10, archaeology is from the Greek word archaiología the discussion of antiquities. See archaeo-, -logy

Explanation

If your idea of excitement is sifting dirt to find bits of pottery, chances are that you're an archaeology enthusiast. Archaeology is all about understanding the past by analyzing material culture — that is, objects shaped by human hands. The Greek suffix -ology ("the study of") should be familiar. Consider the word biology: bios is Greek for "life," so biology is "the study of life." Arkhaios is "ancient." Thus, archaeology is "the study of ancient things." Early archaeologists tended to seek sensational finds — like Howard Carter, who found King Tut's tomb. Contemporary archaeologists are generally more concerned with reconstructing the lives of everyday people through careful analysis of mundane artifacts — like tools and feeding utensils.

Example Sentences

Gradel did some digital archaeology and learned that, although the name of the eBay seller was Paul Higgins, the name on his PayPal account was Peter Higgs.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“Lost Worlds” is a testament to the sheer vitality of modern archaeology.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

"When radiocarbon values approach the limit of calibration, it is essential not to assign more precision than the data can actually support. In such cases, the comparison between archaeology, radiocarbon dating, and genetics becomes crucial."

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Led by Riley Conway, a member of the Nautical Archaeology Society's Sub-Aqua Club, the archaeology project is taking place in Portsmouth's Langstone Harbour.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Anthropology tells us and archaeology implies that our uncivilised ancestors could be red in tooth and claw; psychoanalysis seeks to persuade us that the savage in all of us lurks not far below the skin.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• excavation
• paleontology