excavation
noun
ex·ca·va·tion
ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən 
1
: the action or process of excavating
2
: a cavity formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
excavational
adjective
ˌek-skə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl
-shə-nᵊl
Examples of excavation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The excavation is part of a larger project that began nearly a decade ago to build underground routes for tourists visiting the church, archaeologists said.
—
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
Image The excavations so far have been on private land, and although the site is considered a historical monument, under English law that doesn’t give the public a right to gain access to it.
—Megan Specia, New York Times, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for excavation 
Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
Image The excavations so far have been on private land, and although the site is considered a historical monument, under English law that doesn’t give the public a right to gain access to it.
—Megan Specia, New York Times, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for excavation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excavation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near excavation
Cite this Entry
“Excavation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excavation. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
excavation
noun
ex·ca·va·tion
ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən
1
: the act or process of excavating
2
: a hollowed-out place formed by excavating
Medical Definition
excavation
noun
ex·ca·va·tion
ˌek-skə-ˈvā-shən
1
: the action or process of excavating
2
: a cavity formed by or as if by cutting, digging, or scooping
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