dig
1to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., as with a shovel, spade, bulldozer, or claw; make an excavation.
to make one's way or work by or as by removing or turning over material: to dig through the files.
to break up, turn over, or loosen (earth, sand, etc.), as with a shovel, spade, or bulldozer (often followed by up).
to form or excavate (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing material.
to unearth, obtain, or remove by digging (often followed by up or out).
to find or discover by effort or search.
to poke, thrust, or force (usually followed by in or into): He dug his heel into the ground.
an archaeological site undergoing excavation.
digs, Informal. living quarters; lodgings.
dig in,
to dig trenches, as in order to defend a position in battle.
to maintain one's opinion or position.
to start eating.
dig into, Informal. to attack, work, or apply oneself voraciously, vigorously, or energetically: to dig into one's work;to dig into a meal.
dig out,
to remove earth or debris from by digging.
to hollow out by digging.
to find by searching: to dig out facts for a term paper.
dig up,
to discover in the course of digging.
to locate; find: to dig up information.
Origin of dig
1Other definitions for dig (2 of 3)
to understand: Can you dig what I'm saying?
to take notice of: Dig those shoes he's wearing.
to like, love, or enjoy: She digs that kind of music. We really dig each other.
Origin of dig
2Other definitions for dig. (3 of 3)
digest.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use dig in a sentence
Today more than ever, digging up the past can seem like a new version of burying your head in the sand.
Spain’s Ghosts: The Fight Over the Memories of War | James McAuley | September 2, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAre Republicans really going to try to damage Hillary Clinton by digging up old non-scandals no one even remembers?
A halt has been drawn to the digging up of royal remains in the UK to solve historical puzzles.
Richard III - Princes in Tower Will Not Be Disinterred | Tom Sykes | February 7, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAs Bernanke notes, you make a gold standard work by digging up a bunch of gold and moving it from one hole to another.
Ben Bernanke Smashes the Gold Standard Standard | Noah Kristula-Green | March 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTThey have conducted their own investigation, including digging up landfills and swamps across the Caribbean island.
His burrow is provided with three apertures, and his capture is managed by closing up two of these, and digging up the third.
The Desert World | Arthur ManginDigging up the ground with his keen claws he disburies a host of insects, which he rolls over his long red cylindrical tongue.
The Desert World | Arthur ManginMoreover we are told by Weever5 that the commission was made the excuse for digging up coffins in the hope of finding treasure.
In Search Of Gravestones Old And Curious | W.T. (William Thomas) VincentI even find the peasants digging up the roots and stubble to be dried and burned in the houses.
Where Half The World Is Waking Up | Clarence PoeTom and Anstice were digging up the path the day we called, and what do you suppose they had!
A Little Girl in Old Salem | Amanda Minnie Douglas
British Dictionary definitions for dig (1 of 2)
/ (dɪɡ) /
(when tr, often foll by up) to cut into, break up, and turn over or remove (earth, soil, etc), esp with a spade
to form or excavate (a hole, tunnel, passage, etc) by digging, usually with an implement or (of animals) with feet, claws, etc: to dig a tunnel
(often foll by through) to make or force (one's way), esp by removing obstructions: he dug his way through the crowd
(tr; often foll by out or up) to obtain by digging: to dig potatoes; to dig up treasure
(tr; often foll by out or up) to find or discover by effort or searching: to dig out unexpected facts
(tr; foll by in or into) to thrust or jab (a sharp instrument, weapon, etc); poke: he dug his spurs into the horse's side
(tr; foll by in or into) to mix (compost, etc) with soil by digging
(tr) informal to like, understand, or appreciate
(intr) US slang to work hard, esp for an examination
(intr) British informal to have lodgings: I dig in South London
the act of digging
a thrust or poke, esp in the ribs
a cutting or sarcastic remark
informal an archaeological excavation
Origin of dig
1British Dictionary definitions for Dig (2 of 2)
/ (dɪɡ) /
NZ informal short for Digger (def. 1)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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