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

In a hurry to explore the forest path on private property, the archaeologists conducted an excavation. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

Heavy machinery arrived two hours later to begin the three-day excavation. —Zohreh Saberi, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

But after intense pushback from the community, the developer modified the plan to include a smaller, but still controversial, excavation of 50,000 cubic yards. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026

Its most recent excavation, designed by Peterson Rich Office, is the 12,000-square-foot new home of the Costume Institute, which has graduated from its old basement and taken up a privileged position just off the Great Hall. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 4 May 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