excavator

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvā-tər 

: one that excavates

especially : a power-operated shovel

Examples of excavator in a Sentence

The excavators found ancient tools at the site.

Recent Examples on the Web

The vessel was also loaded with 180 vehicles, mostly trucks, and an excavator. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

As work proceeds, plumes of sand have clouded waters near endangered coral and conchs while noisy excavators drown out waves along the popular beach next to Port Everglades. — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

The companies first worked together on a full-scale prototype lunar excavator unveiled in May 2025. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Last fall, excavators uncovered a Roman military hospital that was later converted into a Christian sanctuary in the ancient Turkish city of Kaunos. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

excavate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for excavator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Medical Definition

excavator

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvāt-ər 

: an instrument used to open bodily cavities (as in the teeth) or remove material from them