backhoe

American  

[bak-hoh] / ˈbækˌhoʊ /

Or back-hoe,

noun

1. a hydraulic excavating machine consisting of a tractor having an attached hinged boom, with a bucket with movable jaws on the end of the boom.

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Etymology

Origin of backhoe

First recorded in 1940–45; back ¹ + hoe

Example Sentences

Festival-goers can compete for the title of best welder, crane operator or backhoe loader -- or be crowned the "Oildorado Queen."

From Barron's • Oct. 20, 2025

On Friday, a gray and red backhoe moved piles of trash and other items into a large blue dumpster.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

Their recollections echo earlier statements from residents who told the AP of hearing a backhoe and jackhammer overnight and seeing a convoy of FBI vehicles, including armored trucks.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2023

“Not a backhoe, cement truck or crane within miles,” Chris Book, the institute’s administrative director, said.

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2023

But he whooped also, croaking hoarsely, glutinous, joyful sounds, riding that bright yellow Ladd Devine backhoe westward, ever westward— Toward the gorge.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

Related Words

• bulldozer
• digger