English Reference
noun

digging

n.
US /ˈdɪɡɪŋ/ UK /dˈɪɡɪŋ/ dig·ging UK spelling diggings

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C1 Advanced British EnglishInformalArchaic

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated