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

Once excavations are complete, the market square will eventually be repaved and reopened, officials said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

Now that Martinez and Ballard and the rest of the team have successfully mapped the area and identified five areas showing clear signs of human activity, the next step is to explore further with actual excavations. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025

The excavation work begun in the summer of 2025 will focus on the mausoleum, the necropolis road, ancient water structures and the Hadrian Gate, reports Hürriyet Daily News. —Barry Neild, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025

Qualifying businesses will also receive waivers on sidewalk restoration, excavation and property records fees. —Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 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