excavation

noun

ex·ca·va·tion | \ ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of excavation

1 : the action or process of excavating

2 : a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping

Other Words from excavation Example Sentences Learn More about excavation

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The excavations at Akrotiri have uncovered one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean. — Lindsay Silberman, Town & Country, "The Best Room At...Andronis Concept Santorini," 13 Sep. 2018 This particular batch of mud had been found around the excavation site of the museum's most famous resident—Sue the T. Rex, the best preserved and most complete example of the species. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "A New Shark Species Was Found in the Mud of Sue the T. Rex," 21 Jan. 2019 Fossil enthusiasts can follow the excavations from late October through mid-November on Twitter via #RisingStarExpedition and #DinalediChamber. — Lydia Pyne, Ars Technica, "Rising Star found a new species—now it wants to find a new way for paleoanthropology," 20 Dec. 2018 The coins were found in a stone container during excavations at the site of a former theater in Como, northern Italy, according to the country's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MiBAC). — James Rogers, Fox News, "Huge hoard of Roman gold coins discovered in Italian theater basement," 10 Sep. 2018 Self-guided and guided tours of excavation sites and fossils are available. — Susan B. Barnes, USA TODAY, "Dinosaurs in real-life: Where to find them around the US," 26 June 2018 The archaeologists use special vacuum equipment to carry soil from the underwater excavations to the shore, where it can be sifted for artifacts. — Tom Metcalfe, Fox News, "Ancient church hidden in Turkish lake and a Pagan temple may lie beneath it," 6 Sep. 2018 This exhibition presents recent findings from excavations at the site’s three main pyramids. — Carolina A. Miranda, latimes.com, "Datebook: Shots of old Route 66, dreamlike paintings and garments fashioned from paper," 12 July 2018 During excavations the following year, 419 bodies were found at a depth of 24 feet. — Alexander Nazaryan, Newsweek, "New York City Would Really Rather Not Talk About Its Slavery-Loving Past," 15 Apr. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'excavation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.