excavator

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Workers filled in beneath one of the excavator’s tracks to create a solid surface. Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2026 Everyone was safe and the excavator is now free from its concrete prison. Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026 Haunting drone footage showed excavators digging dozens of graves for the victims. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 11 Mar. 2026 Dust rose and workers milled around the large site where buildings once stood and a single excavator was starting to scoop up the concrete and metal in video sent to NBC News from the scene this morning. Jasmine Green, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excavator

Word History

Etymology

excavate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excavator was circa 1815

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excavator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavator. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

excavator

noun
ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: an instrument used to open bodily cavities (as in the teeth) or remove material from them
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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