(+ object)
1 : to uncover (something) by digging away and removing the earth that covers it
They excavated an ancient city.
It is the first site to be excavated in this area.
2 a : to dig a large hole in (something)
They began excavating the backyard for their new pool.
2 b : to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by digging
excavate a tunnel
2 c : to dig out and remove (dirt, soil, etc.)
The excess dirt was carefully excavated.
— excavation noun, plural excavations (count, noncount)