Digger: meaning, definitions and examples

🕳️

Add to dictionary

digger

[ˈdɪɡər ]

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?

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?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 site’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "digger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escavador

🇮🇳 खुदाई करने वाला

🇩🇪 Bagger

🇮🇩 penggali

🇺🇦 копач

🇵🇱 koparka

🇯🇵 掘削機

🇫🇷 excavateur

🇪🇸 excavadora

🇹🇷 kazıcı

🇰🇷 굴착기

🇸🇦 حفار

🇨🇿 bagrista

🇸🇰 bager

🇨🇳 挖掘机

🇸🇮 izkopalec

🇮🇸 gröfugr

🇰🇿 қазушы

🇬🇪 ამომრჩევი

🇦🇿 qazıcı

🇲🇽 excavadora

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.

...
23440 guanine
23441 vexing
23442 disentangle
23443 digger
23444 redefining
23445 lacerated
23446 pontoon
...