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

Previous excavations in the area have uncovered figures such as Scylla and the cave of the giant Polyphemus. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 Apr. 2026

Crews from the Waterbury Bureau of Water, along with Dayton Construction, responded to evaluate the incident, which involved excavation to determine the full extent of the damage. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Apr. 2026

It was uncovered during excavations in October 2025, but officials did not announce the discovery until April 16 — which marked the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

The latest excavation is overseen by Alexander Sokolicek of the University of Salzburg, in collaboration with the Austrian Archaeological Institute in Athens and under the auspices of Greek heritage authorities. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 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