ENGLISH
REFERENCE

digging

n.
US //ˈdɪɡɪŋ// UK //dˈɪɡɪŋ// dig·ging
  1. 1 the act of excavating (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical work of moving earth or making a hole in the ground.

    the action or process of excavating or turning up soil.

    Example

    After a full day of digging in the garden, his back was very sore.

    Example

    The constant digging required to install the new drainage system left the backyard in a state of total disarray for several weeks.

  2. 2 an archaeological site (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    a place where people are digging to find old objects or gold.

    a site where excavation is occurring, specifically for archaeological research or mining purposes.

    Example

    The students spent their summer at a digging in Egypt looking for pottery.

    Example

    Archaeologists at the Roman digging uncovered several well-preserved coins that helped date the surrounding structures more accurately.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 living quarters (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Archaic

    the place where you live, usually a rented room or apartment.

    living quarters or lodgings; usually used in the plural form 'digs'.

    Example

    He found some cheap digging near the university for his final year.

    Example

    After weeks of searching the city, he finally secured comfortable digging in a quiet suburb just a short commute from the office.

    Usage

    Almost always appears as the plural 'digs' in modern speech.

© 2026 English Reference