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

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The ongoing excavation aims to shed light on life in this historic camp. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025

Wide view of Fordow enrichment complex showing recent excavation patterns and a trail of disturbed soil, indicating active recovery efforts. —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025

Human remains packed into 169 bags were discovered during excavations at a construction site in the city of Zapopan in February. —Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025

But in examining archival material from the 1920s excavations, including unpublished notes, Wong found that the statues’ damage didn’t only date to Thutmose III’s reign. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025

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