# archaeological

/ˌɑɹkiəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɑːkiːəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/archaeological
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- The team found old coins at the archaeological site.
- The construction of the new subway line was delayed after workers discovered significant archaeological remains under the street.
- Modern archaeological research increasingly relies on non-invasive technologies like ground-penetrating radar to map buried structures before any physical excavation begins.

## Pitfalls

- Not "an archeology site" but "an archaeological site" — Learners often use the noun 'archaeology' as a modifier instead of the correct adjective form 'archaeological'.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.