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Definition of excavation

excavation

/ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃən/
ex · ca · va · tion
Plural:excavations
•
Adjective:excavational
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excavation Lexical Profile

excavation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of digging out and removing earth, rock, or other material, especially to prepare a foundation or uncover buried remains.

Example

"Heavy rain delayed the excavation of the building's underground parking garage."

2

An archaeological site where earth is systematically removed to uncover and study ancient artifacts, structures, or fossils.

Example

"Students spent the summer working at an archaeological excavation in southern Greece."

3

A cavity, pit, or trench formed in the ground by digging.

Example

"Safety barriers were placed around the deep excavation to prevent pedestrians from falling in."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for excavation
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for excavation

• Nearby Words

exasperation
excalibur
excavate
excavation
excavator
exceed
exceedingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin excavatio, derived from the verb excavare ('to hollow out'), combining ex- ('out') and cavus ('hollow', the root of English 'cave').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Excavation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/excavation
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