First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1dig
verb \ˈdig\
: to move soil, sand, snow, etc., in order to create a hole
: to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing soil, sand, snow, etc.
: to uncover (something that is underground) by moving earth, soil, sand, etc.
dug \ˈdəg\ dig·ging
Full Definition of DIG
transitive verb
1
a : to break up, turn, or loosen (as earth) with an implement b : to prepare the soil of <dig a garden>
2
a : to bring to the surface by digging : unearth <dig potatoes> b : to bring to light or out of hiding <dig up facts>
3
: to hollow out or form by removing earth : excavate <dig a hole>
4
: to drive down so as to penetrate : thrust
6
slang
intransitive verb
1
: to turn up, loosen, or remove earth
2
: to work hard or laboriously
3
: to advance by or as if by removing or pushing aside material
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Origin of DIG
Middle English diggen
2dig
noun
: a push with a body part (such as your elbow) : a poke or thrust
: a criticism or insult that is directed toward a particular person or group
: a place where scientists try to find buried objects by digging; also : the act of digging for buried objects
Full Definition of DIG
2
3
: an archaeological excavation site; also : the excavation itself
See dig defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DIG
1797
3dig
abbreviation
Definition of DIG
digest
DIG[1] Defined for Kids
1dig
verb \ˈdig\
dug \ˈdəg\dig·ging
Definition of DIG for Kids
1
: to turn up, loosen, or remove the soil <The dog was digging in the garden again.>
2
: to turn up or remove with a shovel or by similar means <I dug into the snow.>
3
: to form by removing earth <dig a hole> <dig a cellar>
4
: to uncover or search by or as if by turning up earth <They dug for gold.>
5
— dig in
: to begin eating <Supper's ready, so dig in.>
— dig into
1
: to begin eating <He dug into a plate of pasta.>
2
: to try to discover information <Reporters were digging into the story.>
— dig up
1
: to uncover or remove (as from soil) <dig up a bush>
2
: discover <I dug up information about her past.>
2dig
noun
Definition of DIG for Kids
1
: 2poke <a dig in the ribs>
2
: a place where buried objects are being uncovered <a dinosaur dig>
3
: a project to uncover buried objects <The bones were found during a recent dig.>
4
: a nasty remark <She got in a dig about forgetting her birthday.>
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