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noun Uncommon

digger

DIH-guh

Digger (noun) means a machine used for digging, such as an excavator. Example: “A digger cleared the site before construction began.”

noun
1
A machine used for digging, such as an excavator.
"A digger cleared the site before construction began."
2
A person who digs, especially for a living.
"The gold digger panned the river for hours without luck."
3
(Australia, New Zealand, informal) A soldier, or a friendly term for a man.
""G'day, digger," he said, greeting an old army mate."

How to use digger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone or something that digs — a person, or heavy machinery; informally, an Australian term for a soldier or mate.

Word forms

diggers plural, Diggers plural, Diggers plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ cleared the site before construction began.

Etymology

From dig plus the agent suffix -er. The Australian/New Zealand soldier sense comes from the trench-digging soldiers did in World War I.

shovel excavator power shovel

Related words

Rhymes for digger

See all rhymes for digger →

Frequently asked questions

What does “digger” mean?

The word “digger” means a machine used for digging, such as an excavator. In plain terms, someone or something that digs — a person, or heavy machinery; informally, an Australian term for a soldier or mate.

How do you pronounce “digger”?

“Digger” is pronounced DIH-guh (/ˈdɪɡɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “digger” in a sentence?

Here is “digger” used in a sentence: “A digger cleared the site before construction began.”

What part of speech is “digger”?

“Digger” is a noun.

Is “digger” a common word?

“Digger” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “digger” have?

“Digger” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a machine used for digging, such as an excavator.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial