ENGLISH
REFERENCE

archaeological

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɑɹkiəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ// UK //ˌɑːkiːəlˈɒdʒɪkəl// ar·chae·o·log·i·cal

adj. relating to the study of history by looking at old objects and buildings found in the ground.

adj. relating to the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of physical remains.


SIMPLE

The team found old coins at the archaeological site.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction of the new subway line was delayed after workers discovered significant archaeological remains under the street.

COMPLEX

Modern archaeological research increasingly relies on non-invasive technologies like ground-penetrating radar to map buried structures before any physical excavation begins.

Synonyms
Origin

From archaeology + -ical.

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies; often pairs with 'site', 'dig', or 'evidence'.

Pitfall

an archeology sitean archaeological siteLearners often use the noun 'archaeology' as a modifier instead of the correct adjective form 'archaeological'.

© 2026 English Reference