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

Guests can still observe active excavation during the two-year museum closure — albeit from different vantage points — as researchers continue their work on site. —Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Paleontologists discovered the specimen in question almost 17 years ago during an excavation in South Africa’s Karoo Basin. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026

The scrolls were uncovered during an excavation in the Qurna area on Luxor's West Bank, near the tomb of Seneb. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Demolition and excavation would kill the Merchant’s House. —Roberta Brandes Gratz, New York Daily News, 9 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