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

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It was found below London's financial district during excavations as part of the demolition of a building. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Feb. 2025

As the excavations continued, MOLA archaeologists uncovered limestone foundation walls quarried from Kent that measure more than three feet wide and 13 feet deep. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025

These were immediately removed and secured in a safe area and the excavation continued on into a second day in spite of stormy weather. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 12 Feb. 2025

So far, only a third of the children's park in Wooler has been cleared as officials continue excavations to ensure no more ordnance is hidden underneath. —Astha Rajvanshi, NBC News, 11 Feb. 2025

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