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 excavation, carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission under the supervision of the SCA, also uncovered pottery coffins, as well as a collection of incense burners, oil lamps, and funerary amulets. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026

Those conditions demand highly autonomous systems that can perform excavation and site preparation with limited human input. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

The milestone comes after crews completed major excavation work, including moving approximately 750 tons of rock. — Kelly Werthmann, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Residents, tribal leaders and advocates say the shaded, overgrown site is a vital urban refuge and cultural landscape, suing Pasadena over tree removal, excavation and potential harm to ancestral remains. — Mack Baysinger follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 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