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Digger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ
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digger

[หˆdษชษกษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction

A person or machine that digs, especially as a job or in archaeology.

Synonyms

backhoe, excavator, shovel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digger

Often used in casual conversation or general contexts to refer to any machine or person that digs.

  • The digger started moving soil early in the morning
  • Children love playing with toy diggers in the sandbox
excavator

Typically used in professional or technical contexts to describe large, heavy-duty machines used for excavation, often with a rotating platform and a long boom arm.

  • The construction site had several excavators for different tasks
  • The operator skillfully maneuvered the excavator to clear the debris
shovel

Used to refer to a manual tool or to small-scale or less formal digging activities. Can also imply physical labor.

  • He used a shovel to clear the snow from the driveway
  • Gardeners often prefer a sturdy shovel for their planting needs
backhoe

Commonly used in construction and engineering to refer to a specific type of heavy equipment with a digging bucket on the end of a two-part articulated arm.

  • The backhoe was used to dig the foundation for the new building
  • The crew operated the backhoe carefully to avoid underground pipes

Examples of usage

  • He operates a digger on the construction site.
  • The digger uncovered ancient artifacts during the excavation.
  • The archaeologist used a digger to carefully unearth the remains.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who investigates or searches aggressively for information, especially for gossip or scandal.

Synonyms

gossip hunter, investigator, sleuth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digger

Typically used to describe a person who physically digs, usually for a job like archaeology or construction.

  • The digger carefully unearthed the ancient artifacts.
  • As a digger, he spent most of his day at the construction site.

Examples of usage

  • She is known as the office digger, always looking for juicy details.
  • The celebrity digger managed to uncover some exclusive news about the star.
  • The journalist was labeled a digger for her relentless pursuit of the truth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Engineering

  • Diggers are vital in construction; they can quickly remove large volumes of soil for foundations.
  • Modern diggers come equipped with advanced technology, including GPS for precise digging.
  • Excavators, often called diggers, can also climb steep slopes and navigate uneven terrain, making them highly versatile.

Pop Culture

  • In children's fiction, diggers are often personified as friendly characters, promoting teamwork on construction sites.
  • The popular animated series 'Bob the Builder' features a digger character named Scoop, who helps with various construction tasks.
  • Many toys, like action figures or building sets, include digger vehicles, introducing kids to construction themes early on.

Environmental Science

  • Diggers are essential for environmental projects, such as digging trenches for drainage or planting trees in restoration efforts.
  • They are sometimes used in archaeology to uncover historical artifacts while maintaining the siteโ€™s integrity.
  • Using diggers can help improve soil health by aerating the ground, fostering better growth for plants and crops.

Historical Significance

  • During the gold rush, diggers referred to miners who excavated soil for precious metals, often leading to settlement growth.
  • In World War I, mechanical diggers were used in warfare to create trenches where soldiers could take shelter.
  • Ancient civilizations employed various forms of digging tools made from stone and wood to create irrigation systems and large buildings.

Origin of 'digger'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'digger' comes from the Old English 'dicgen', which means to excavate or make a hole.
  • Originally, 'digger' referred to people who excavated soil or tunnels, particularly for mining.
  • In different contexts, 'digger' can also refer to specific professions, such as archaeologists who dig up the past.

The word 'digger' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the verb 'dig'. Initially used to refer to a person who dug as a profession, it later expanded to include machines used for excavation. In modern informal contexts, 'digger' also describes someone who searches or investigates aggressively for information. The term has evolved over time to encompass both physical and metaphorical digging.

See also: dig, digging, digs.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,443, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.