# pitting

/ˈpɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pitting
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the process of digging or removing soil and rock from an area to find things like bones, tools, or buildings. It is a common way for archaeologists to study the past.

For teachers: the systematic excavation of a site to recover archaeological remains such as artifacts, structures, or human remains. Often involves the removal of soil layers to reveal stratified deposits.

## Examples

- The archaeologists spent months on the pitting of the ancient village.
- Careful pitting of the site revealed several stone foundations that had been buried for centuries.
- The initial phase of the project focused on surface pitting to identify potential burial mounds before the team began the more invasive trenching required for full excavation.

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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.