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

The excavation was led by faculty from the Free University of Berlin in partnership with the Politecnico di Bari and the Parco Archeologico Valle dei Templi di Agrigento and funded by the German Research Foundation. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025

However, this physical challenge and painstaking excavation was worth it. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025

Photos and videos of the excavation reviewed by CNN and forensic experts offer clues as to the crews’ visibility as first responders in their final moments. —Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025

All this excavation unnerves the locals. —James Wood, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 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