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noun Uncommon

excavation

ehks-kuh-VAYSHN

Excavation (noun) means the act of digging out earth to create a hole, trench, or foundation. Example: “Excavation for the new tunnel took almost a year.”

noun
1
The act of digging out earth to create a hole, trench, or foundation.
"Excavation for the new tunnel took almost a year."
2
An archaeological dig, or the site where one is taking place.
"The excavation revealed pottery dating back two thousand years."
3
A hollow or pit produced by digging.
"Rainwater collected in the excavation overnight."

How to Use Excavation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe act of digging something out, or the hole/site left behind.

Common pairings
archaeological excavation excavation site carry out an excavation

Word Forms

excavations plural

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_____ for the new tunnel took almost a year.

Etymology

From Latin excavatio, "a hollowing out," built on excavare (see "excavate").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for excavation

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “excavation” mean?

The word “excavation” means the act of digging out earth to create a hole, trench, or foundation. In plain terms, the act of digging something out, or the hole/site left behind.

How do you pronounce “excavation”?

“Excavation” is pronounced ehks-kuh-VAYSHN (/ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃn/ in IPA).

How do you use “excavation” in a sentence?

Here is “excavation” used in a sentence: “Excavation for the new tunnel took almost a year.”

What part of speech is “excavation”?

“Excavation” is a noun.

Where does the word “excavation” come from?

The word “excavation” comes from Latin. From Latin excavatio, "a hollowing out," built on excavare (see "excavate").

Is “excavation” a common word?

“Excavation” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “excavation” have?

“Excavation” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of digging out earth to create a hole, trench, or foundation.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial