excavator
noun
ex·ca·va·tor
ˈek-skə-ˌvā-tər 
: one that excavates
especially
: a power-operated shovel
Example Sentences
The excavators found ancient tools at the site.
Recent Examples on the Web
These diggers, or excavators, are often seen as a useful proxy for economic activity: more diggers sold means more construction projects and, by extension, more economic momentum.
—
Mary Hui, Quartz, 10 May 2023
On Tuesday, University President David Wilson, school officials and residents watched as an excavator destroyed the barrier.
—Char Adams, NBC News, 12 Apr. 2023
The equipment involved in the collision was a Caterpillar 420F backhoe with an excavator arm, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
—Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Mar. 2023
Fire and Police personnel still on scene awaiting the arrival of an excavator to raze the home so the FD can extinguish the smouldering fire.
—Kate Armanini, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Feb. 2023
After assessing the situation, Newey rolled the excavator onto the riverbank, removed several boulders in his way and graded the soil flat to get purchase.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2023
The answer may come this week when a crane, an excavator and a chainsaw crew begin clearing away the undermined eucalyptus trees.
—Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Sep. 2021
Prince Louis also gave it a shot, but mostly had a grand old time driving an excavator with his dad and hilariously devouring roasted marshmallows.
—Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 9 May 2023
Trenches, a few foundations and an excavator pawing at a mountain of dirt are the only indication that, if all goes to plan, this will be the site of 90 new townhomes next year.
—Ben Christopher, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 May 2023
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Mary Hui, Quartz, 10 May 2023
On Tuesday, University President David Wilson, school officials and residents watched as an excavator destroyed the barrier.
—Char Adams, NBC News, 12 Apr. 2023
The equipment involved in the collision was a Caterpillar 420F backhoe with an excavator arm, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
—Zaz Hollander, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Mar. 2023
Fire and Police personnel still on scene awaiting the arrival of an excavator to raze the home so the FD can extinguish the smouldering fire.
—Kate Armanini, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Feb. 2023
After assessing the situation, Newey rolled the excavator onto the riverbank, removed several boulders in his way and graded the soil flat to get purchase.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2023
The answer may come this week when a crane, an excavator and a chainsaw crew begin clearing away the undermined eucalyptus trees.
—Sam Whiting, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Sep. 2021
Prince Louis also gave it a shot, but mostly had a grand old time driving an excavator with his dad and hilariously devouring roasted marshmallows.
—Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 9 May 2023
Trenches, a few foundations and an excavator pawing at a mountain of dirt are the only indication that, if all goes to plan, this will be the site of 90 new townhomes next year.
—Ben Christopher, San Francisco Chronicle, 9 May 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excavator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
circa 1815, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near excavator
Cite this Entry
“Excavator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavator. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.
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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
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