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

Archaeologists have only just begun, moving forward on an exciting new footing now that excavations can resume at an underexplored hub that may hold even more treasures and stunning insights about Greek Libya. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

Construction of the Pennsylvania Canal system, which connected Philadelphia to Pittsburgh in the 1830s, relied on Irish laborers to perform grueling excavation work. —Paula Kane, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026

Archaeologists didn't realize the significance of the building until the post-excavation analysis, Sebrich said. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Archaeologists are advised to dig a 5-metre buffer around any find, meaning costs could climb to $1 million or more if additional remains surface during the excavation. —Ryan Brennan march 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 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