excavation

American  

[eks-kuh-vey-shuhn] / ˌɛks kəˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a hole or cavity made by excavating.

2. the act of excavating.

3. an area in which excavating has been done or is in progress, as an archaeological site.

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Related Words

See hole.

Other Word Forms

• excavational
  adjective
• nonexcavation
  noun
• reexcavation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of excavation

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin excavātiōn- (stem of excavātiō ) “a hollowing.” See excavate, -ion

Explanation

Excavation is the act or process of digging, especially when something specific is being removed from the ground. Archaeologists use excavation to find artifacts and fossils. There are many types of excavation, but they all involve digging holes in the earth. Mining for coal, gold, or diamonds all require excavation, and before buildings and houses can be built, there is often some excavation that's done before a foundation can be poured. The Latin source of excavation is excavationem, "a hollowing out," from excavare, "to hollow out," with its roots of ex-, "out," and cavare, "to hollow."

Example Sentences

Ultimately, reaching the Mesolithic Period has obviously become the highlight of the excavation and something that's particularly poignant to myself.

From Science Daily • May 20, 2026

This was particularly important in connection with underground activities like excavation and extraction, he said, pointing for instance to quakes triggered by disposal of wastewater from the fracking industry in Texas.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

Moore had discovered an ichthyosaur in Dorset's cliffs and invited Sir David to be part of the excavation.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

Heavy machinery arrived two hours later to begin the three-day excavation.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

He indicated a roofed enclosure nearby, which had become the main excavation site.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• dig
• mining
• removal