English · Word Candidate

archaeology

/ˌɑː.kiˈɒl.ə.d͡ʒi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: archaeologies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The study of the past by excavation and analysis of its material remains.

Noun

Examples

^({1}) He first presented a complementary thesis on the Enlightenment philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724–1804), in which he used the term “archaeology” for the first time, and which indicated the period of history to which he was constantly to return. ^({2}) The latent grid of knowledge which organizes

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The study of the past by excavation and analysis of its material remains. — The actual excavation, examination, analysis, and interpretation.

Noun

Examples

The building's developers have asked for some archaeology to be undertaken.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “archaeology” mean?

The study of the past by excavation and analysis of its material remains.

Is “archaeology” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.