1. large machines used for digging earth, demolishing buildings, or moving heavy materials
2. people who dig up and remove earth, especially archaeologists or construction workers

Examples

• The construction crew brought in three excavators to clear the building site.
• Heavy excavators worked around the clock to remove debris from the collapsed structure.
• The archaeological team used small hand tools while mechanical excavators prepared the surrounding area.
• Modern excavators can lift several tons of material in a single scoop.
• Professional excavators carefully documented each artifact they discovered.
• The excavators found ancient pottery fragments buried six feet underground.
• Two excavators were needed to dig the foundation for the new shopping center.