C1verbformalhistoryscience
US/ˈek.skə.veɪt/
UK/ˈek.skə.veɪt/
to dig in the ground carefully to find old objects, or to dig out earth to make a hole
In context
Archaeologists plan to excavate the ancient burial site next summer.
The workers excavated a deep trench before laying the pipes.
The team has excavated more than fifty tombs in the valley.
Words that go with excavate
verb + noun
- excavate a siteExperts will excavate the site over three seasons.
- excavate a tombNobody had excavated the tomb since the 1920s.
- excavate the ruinsThey hope to excavate the ruins before the rainy season.
- excavate the areaArchaeologists will excavate the area before any building starts.
- excavate a trenchSoldiers excavated a trench along the hill.
adverb + verb
- carefully excavateStudents must carefully excavate each layer of soil.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
excavate the ancient thingsCorrect: excavate the remains / artifacts