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 

adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The structure had been uncovered during an archaeological excavation. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced early last month that excavation work on the site in Memorial Circle would begin within weeks. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

In late August, the commission granted an exemption allowing workers to begin excavation and soil stabilization before the full limited work permit is issued. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

University officials announced the discovery in a statement this week, saying the remains were uncovered during excavation for construction along X Street near Stockton Boulevard. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

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