excavator

[eks-kuh-vey-ter]

noun

1. a person or thing that excavates.

2. a power-driven machine for digging, moving, or transporting loose gravel, sand, or soil.

3. a sharp, spoonlike instrument used for scraping out diseased tissue, as in dentistry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of excavator¹

First recorded in 1805–15; excavate + -or ²

Example Sentences

Mr Syafeii also laid out the dilemma with the use of heavy equipment, such as cranes and excavators.

From BBC

And the excavator operator took the time to sift through the rubble with the two in search for anything salvageable.

From Los Angeles Times

Denny Webster, who works at the site, helped the search by using an excavator to scoop out waste.

From BBC

"There were about 15 houses here, we need an excavator."

From BBC

This week excavators were slowly filling in the hole and the council insisted it was sticking to its timetable to finish the repairs by Christmas.

From BBC

Related Words

• backhoe 
• bulldozer 
• digger