dig
20 synonyms for dig, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole.
“They dug a hole in the backyard to plant a tree.”
How to use dig
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
dig a hole
dig for answers
take a dig at
Etymology
From Middle English diggen, related to Old English dician, "to dig a ditch" — the same root that gave us dyke/dike.
Full origin of dig →Frequently asked questions
What does “dig” mean?
The word “dig” means to move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole. In plain terms, to make a hole in the ground, to search hard for facts, or (casually) to like something.
How do you pronounce “dig”?
“Dig” is pronounced dihg (/dɪɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dig” in a sentence?
Here is “dig” used in a sentence: “I really dig this new song.”
What part of speech is “dig”?
Depending on how it is used, “dig” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “dig” come from?
The word “dig” comes from Old English. From Middle English diggen, related to Old English dician, "to dig a ditch" — the same root that gave us dyke/dike.
Is “dig” a common word?
“Dig” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “dig” have?
“Dig” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move earth aside, typically with a tool, in order to make a hole.
What is the difference between "dig" and "excavate"?
Both mean to move earth to make a hole, but "dig" is the everyday word, while "excavate" is more formal and technical, often used for archaeology or large construction. Archaeologists excavate a site, but a gardener digs a hole.
What is the past tense of "dig"?
The past tense and past participle of "dig" is "dug," not "digged." For example, "they dug a trench" and "the tunnel was dug by hand."
What are common phrases using "dig"?
Common expressions include "dig up" (uncover), "dig in" (start eating or hold a position), "dig into" (investigate), and "dig yourself into a hole" (make a situation worse). Many rely on the idea of digging to reveal or entrench.
