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

In Britain, the Bronze Age lasted from 2500 B.C. to roughly 800 B.C. The excavation took place on the construction site of Europa Way. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025

While the excavation of a home in Pompeii was underway, a large entrance hall leading to an atrium, a bedroom and a banquet hall were found. —Caitlyn Frolo, Baltimore Sun, 12 May 2025

Rebellion and mutiny Gregory led the excavations alongside marine archaeologist Andreas Kallmeyer Bloch, who is also a curator at the National Museum. —Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 2 May 2025

Previous excavations have unearthed Roman baths built in 85 C.E., and a second-century Roman funerary tower still stands near the coast. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 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