1
: to mix (something) into (soil) by digging
dig the compost into the soil
2
informal
: to begin eating (something)
The family was digging into a delicious meal. They dug into their steaks.
3
somewhat informal
: to try to learn or uncover information by studying (something)
The detectives dug into his past and learned that he had once lived in another country.
4
: to push against (a body part) in a sharp and painful way
The bed's springs are digging into my back. Her fingernails dug into my hand.
5
: to push (something) into (a body part) in a sharp and painful way
She dug her fingernails into my hand. He dug his elbow into my ribs.
Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share