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 notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that digs — a person, or heavy machinery; informally, an Australian term for a soldier or mate.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like digger.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- diggers
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.
Synonyms
View more →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.
