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

This set includes a front loader, dump truck, bulldozer, excavator, and backhoe, and yes, there is a difference. —Katrina Cossey, Parents, 1 May 2025

Like an excavator pushing aside topsoil for the vein of minerals underneath, these cuts are violent and indiscriminate, devastating individual livelihoods and scarring communities. —Sarah Blomeley, Time, 25 Apr. 2025

The Korea Herald reported that one of the men trapped underground was an excavator operator who was able to briefly communicate with rescue workers by phone. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Another satellite image, also published by Al Jazeera and analyzed by CNN, dated March 25, shows an Israeli tank, an excavator, and military bulldozers at the same location. —Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025

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