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

An archaeological excavation in Israel recently revealed ancient faces that haven't been seen in centuries. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Another search warrant was executed between June 23 and June 25, including an excavation of open fields on the grounds, the sheriff's office said. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 27 June 2026

Every year since 1958, archaeologists have returned to the ancient city as part of the Harvard-Cornell Exploration of Ancient Sardis, and excavations are still ongoing. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 June 2026

Homo naledi’s protein results, with their grave implications (not sorry), prompted Berger and his team to pause their excavations in the cave system, although analysis in the lab continues. — ArsTechnica, 25 June 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