Excavate

To remove earth or rock from a site, typically using tools or machinery, in order to uncover buried structures, artifacts, or geological features; to create space or foundation as part of construction; also refers more broadly to the act of discovering or uncovering.

Excavate meaning with examples

• The archaeologists decided to excavate the ancient burial site after receiving permission from the local authorities. They carefully removed layers of soil, revealing artifacts that dated back thousands of years, allowing them to piece together the history of the civilization that once thrived in the region.
• During the summer, the construction crew was hired to excavate the land where a new shopping center was planned. They used heavy machinery to dig deep, ensuring a solid foundation for the building while managing the logistics of removing soil and rock from the site efficiently.
• In preparation for the museum's new exhibit, the team of scientists set out to excavate a fossil site in the nearby mountains. With meticulous care, they unearthed remarkable dinosaur bones, which excited both the scientific community and the local residents, eager to learn more about their prehistoric past.
• The city council decided to excavate the old riverbed to prevent flooding during the rainy season. Engineers worked tirelessly to dig deeper and reshape the area, aiming to create a more effective drainage system while also preserving the natural habitat that existed along the waterway.
• To better understand the geological history of the area, researchers planned to excavate several test pits in the field. By analyzing soil samples from different depths, they hoped to uncover vital information about past climate conditions and how they may have influenced current ecological patterns.