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

If the plans to destroy the theater are followed through, the process will, ironically, have to start with an excavation. — Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

The excavation was conducted between 2025 and 2026 ahead of an expansion of Pasta Garofalo's production facility, with the findings recently announced by the company in July. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Historic brick sewers discovered during excavation work on the 16th Street Improvement Project. — Logan Smith, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Village and township residents and officials have protested the nondestructive hydro-excavation business’s plan to relocate from Channahon to about 38 acres on 159th Street in Homer Township. — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 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