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.
Burgum said excavation would begin during the next two weeks at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2026 The investigation found that the unpermitted excavation degraded sensitive habitats, according to a commission fact sheet. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The building at the excavation was previously thought to have served as a prison, due to the shoddiness of its construction and its indifference to aesthetics. — Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026 As that year’s freshman class president, Miles’ father, George, was instrumental in assembling some 600 freshmen to lug into place 300 tons of loose rock left over from the stadium excavation. — Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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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