excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the action or process of excavating

2

: a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping

excavational

ˌek-skə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Numerous Ancient Roman objects, including small glass bottles for perfumes, were found during the excavations. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025

See the finds in Greece Off the coast of Greece, the Antikythera shipwreck continues to reveal its secrets, with recent excavations uncovering ancient sculptures and pottery. —Miami Herald, 11 July 2025

Squeezing ground occurs when the ground or soil deforms significantly during an excavation. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 10 July 2025

As the excavation of some of the oldest sections of the former Greenlawn Cemetery nears completion, the archaeology firm leading the project has found more than 1,100 graves filled with 19th century artifacts like necklaces, brooches and dolls. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin excavātiōn-, excavātiō, from excavāre "to hollow out, excavate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for excavation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the act or process of excavating

2

: a hollowed-out place formed by excavating

Medical Definition

excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the action or process of excavating

2

: a cavity formed by or as if by cutting, digging, or scooping