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

As for Sarah, once Geoff and Zoe finish with the excavation paperwork, her remains will be sent home where she can be properly buried and honored by her family. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Additional artifacts recovered during the excavation included pottery vessels, flasks, plates and offering tables made of limestone and sandstone. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

The excavation area was about the size of a standard school bus. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026

The excavation of the basin for the reflecting pool started in 1920, two years before the memorial itself was completed. — Jennifer Tucker, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 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