# digger

/ˈdɪɡɝ/ (US) · /dˈɪɡɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/digger
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a large machine used for moving earth or making holes in the ground. You usually see them at construction sites.

For teachers: a heavy construction vehicle or machine designed for excavating earth. Often used as a synonym for an excavator in British English.

## Examples

- The digger is making a deep hole for the new house.
- Construction workers used a large digger to clear the site before they could start laying the foundation.
- The archaeological team had to pause their work when the digger accidentally uncovered a series of stone walls that appeared to predate the medieval ruins.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in British and Australian English to refer to any earth-moving machinery.

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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.