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 excavations also uncovered part of a limestone stela depicting a prisoner with his body bent in a posture of submission and his hands bound. — Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Holtec will also conduct geologic mapping and collect data as excavation progresses. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Sep. 2026

My friend Ray Underwood used to run an excavation company founded by his father. — David Owen, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026

This year's excavation opened new areas of the site, revealing additional Roman period remains and pottery, Steven Notley, a biblical scholar and academic director of the El-Araj Excavation Project, told Fox News Digital. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Sep. 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