C1nounformalhistoryscience
US/ˌek.skəˈveɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌek.skəˈveɪ.ʃən/
the careful digging of ground to find old objects, or the hole made by digging
In context
The excavation revealed pottery that was more than three thousand years old.
Work on the excavation stopped when heavy rain flooded the site.
Volunteers can join an excavation at the Roman fort each summer.
Words that go with excavation
adjective + noun
- archaeological excavationAn archaeological excavation began near the old city wall.
verb + noun
- carry out an excavationExperts carried out an excavation before the road was built.
noun + noun
- excavation siteThe excavation site is closed to the public.
- excavation workExcavation work will begin next month if the weather stays dry.
noun + preposition
- excavation of the siteThe excavation of the site took five years.
- during the excavationSeveral gold coins were found during the excavation.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
do an excavationCorrect: carry out an excavation