excavator

noun

ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: 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
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 machine is a tree excavator, usually working in the shadow of a tree planted a century ago. — Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026 Hours before excavators were set to begin work, a handful of residents were still inside, desperately trying to pack up their remaining belongings. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Images show an excavator in the backyard as police in protective gear continue to come and go from the property this week. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The line ruptured in the area of North 62nd Avenue and Arthur Street after it was hit by a construction excavator. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for excavator

Word History

Etymology

excavate + -or entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excavator was circa 1815

Rhymes for excavator

See All Rhymes for excavator

Browse Nearby Words

excavation
excavator
excavatory
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Excavator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavator. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Medical Definition

excavator

noun
ex·​ca·​va·​tor ˈek-skə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce excavator (audio)
: an instrument used to open bodily cavities (as in the teeth) or remove material from them
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