Word
excavation
Phoneticsex·ca·va·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɛkskəˈveɪʃən/
UK/ˌɛkskəvˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01digging or uncovering
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of digging a hole or removing earth, especially to find something hidden underground.
n. the systematic act of digging or scooping out earth or other material to create a cavity or reveal buried structures.
“The excavation of the site took several months because the ground was very hard.”
“Large-scale excavation began shortly after the surveyors identified the optimal location for the new building's foundations.”
02archaeology
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a place where scientists dig to find old buildings, bones, or objects from the past.
n. the scientific unearthing of historical remains; also refers to the site where such archaeological work is performed.
“Archaeologists found ancient gold coins during the excavation of the Roman villa.”
“The excavation revealed a series of interconnected chambers that provided new insights into the daily lives of the city's medieval inhabitants.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific site.
Synonyms
03a hole or cavity
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. the actual hole or hollow space left in the ground after digging.
n. the physical cavity, trench, or hollow area resulting from the removal of earth or stone.
“Rainwater quickly filled the deep excavation, turning the construction site into a muddy pool.”
“Safety inspectors demanded that the deep excavation be reinforced with timber supports to prevent the surrounding soil from collapsing.”
Real-World Examples
“The method is quick and non-destructive and can map structures below ground without excavation.” “During excavations conducted between November and December 2025, a team led by Núria Castellano uncovered a Roman-era mummy in Tomb 65 of Sector 22.” “Researchers hope future excavations will reveal more about how the cave was used and when people occupied it.” “Researchers also collected two sediment cores near the excavation area and analyzed them for pollen and charcoal.” Etymology
From Latin excavātiō (“a hollowing out”), from excavō (“I hollow out”), from ex + cavō (“I hollow out”), from cavus (“hollow”), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱewh₁- (“vault, hole”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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