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

University officials announced the discovery in a statement this week, saying the remains were uncovered during excavation for construction along X Street near Stockton Boulevard. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

An extensive cemetery added to the impression of a flourishing urban center, as did what might have been part of a brewing complex found through selective excavations. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The excavation centers on Mieza, an ancient Macedonian city in northern Greece, where archaeologists have been uncovering a sprawling complex known as the Royal Gymnasium. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Further excavations at Hattusa could potentially reveal additional fragments and allow researchers to piece together more of this ancient copy of an agreement that helped end generations of conflict more than three millennia ago. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 25 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