Excavator/ˈekskəveɪtər/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Construction Context Primarily used to describe heavy construction equipment, not small tools. The workers operated a massive excavator to prepare the foundation. Pro Tip 2/3Variety of Sizes Excavators come in various sizes for different jobs, from huge to mini. They used a mini excavator for landscaping in the narrow backyard. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal Can be used metaphorically to describe any thorough searching or digging process. The detective was like an excavator delving into the case.