excavation

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce excavation (audio)
Synonyms of excavationnext
1
: the action or process of excavating
2
: a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
excavational
ˌek-skə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce excavation (audio)
adjective

Examples of excavation in a Sentence

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.
The man then alerted local archaeological authorities, who inspected the site and uncovered the remains of two statues during subsequent excavations, ministry officials said. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The remains were discovered during excavation for construction, according to university officials. — Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Utilizing modern technology Still, the latest excavation gives researchers an opportunity to reexamine longstanding questions with advances in scientific dating methods. — Michele Chabin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026 The structure is part of the pre-Hispanic Teteles de Ávila Castillo archaeological site in Sierra Norte de Puebla and has been under excavation by INAH since 2015. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excavation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of excavation was circa 1611

Rhymes for excavation

See All Rhymes for excavation

Browse Nearby Words

excavate
excavation
excavator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excavation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

excavation

noun
ex·​ca·​va·​tion ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce excavation (audio)
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 How to pronounce excavation (audio)
1
: the action or process of excavating
2
: a cavity formed by or as if by cutting, digging, or scooping

More from Merriam-Webster on excavation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for excavation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about excavation

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