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.
Using shovels, the excavators turned over pieces of the house. Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 In the city of Krakow, excavators at Wawel Royal Castle found a remarkable centuries-old ring earlier this summer. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2025 An excavator was used to scoop away some of the soil and concrete on top of Praphrom, and a rescue crew that was called in dug with their hands to try to get the man out of the ground. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2025 An image taken on August 19 shows Israeli excavators and bulldozers demolishing buildings in Zeitoun. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 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 30 Sep. 2025.

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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