dig

¹

[ dig ]

verb (used without object)

, dug [duhg] or (Archaic) digged [digd], dig·ging.

1. to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., as with a shovel, spade, bulldozer, or claw; make an excavation.
2. to make one's way or work by or as by removing or turning over material:

   to dig through the files.

verb (used with object)

, dug [duhg] or (Archaic) digged [digd], dig·ging.

1. to break up, turn over, or loosen (earth, sand, etc.), as with a shovel, spade, or bulldozer (often followed by up ).
2. to form or excavate (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing material.
3. to unearth, obtain, or remove by digging (often followed by up or out ).
4. to find or discover by effort or search.
5. to poke, thrust, or force (usually followed by in or into ):

   He dug his heel into the ground.

noun

1. thrust; poke:

   He gave me a dig in the ribs with his elbow.

2. a cutting, sarcastic remark.
3. an archaeological site undergoing excavation.
4. digs, Informal. living quarters; lodgings.

verb phrase

1. 1. to discover in the course of digging.
   2. to locate; find:

      to dig up information.

2. Informal. to attack, work, or apply oneself voraciously, vigorously, or energetically: to dig into a meal.

   to dig into one's work;

   to dig into a meal.

3. 1. to dig trenches, as in order to defend a position in battle.
   2. to maintain one's opinion or position.
   3. to start eating.
4. 1. to remove earth or debris from by digging.
   2. to hollow out by digging.
   3. to find by searching:

      to dig out facts for a term paper.

dig

²

[ dig ]

verb (used with object)

, Slang.

, dug, dig·ging.

1. to understand:

   Can you dig what I'm saying?

2. to take notice of:

   Dig those shoes he's wearing.

3. to like, love, or enjoy:

   She digs that kind of music. We really dig each other.

dig.

³

abbreviation for

1. digest.

dig

¹

/ dɪɡ /

verb

1. whentr, often foll by up to cut into, break up, and turn over or remove (earth, soil, etc), esp with a spade
2. 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

3. often foll by through to make or force (one's way), esp by removing obstructions

   he dug his way through the crowd

4. tr; often foll by out or up to obtain by digging

   to dig potatoes

   to dig up treasure

5. tr; often foll by out or up to find or discover by effort or searching

   to dig out unexpected facts

6. 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

7. tr; foll by in or into to mix (compost, etc) with soil by digging
8. informal.
   tr to like, understand, or appreciate
9. slang.
   intr to work hard, esp for an examination
10. informal.
    intr to have lodgings

    I dig in South London

noun

1. the act of digging
2. a thrust or poke, esp in the ribs
3. a cutting or sarcastic remark
4. informal.
   an archaeological excavation

Dig

²

/ dɪɡ /

noun

1. informal.
   short for Digger

Word History and Origins

Origin of dig¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English diggen, deggen; perhaps from Middle French diguer “to dig,” from the same Germanic source as ditch ( def )

Origin of dig²

First recorded in 1935–40; origin uncertain; perhaps the same as dig ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of dig¹

C13 diggen, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“You’re going to spend more money and time on casting and dig harder around the world to find the right people, because not everybody’s represented, and they don’t know these roles exist and yet are so talented,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

In turning the Scotland ship around, no player has had to dig deeper than Ralston.

From BBC

In the face of that coming storm, it’s time to write harder, speak louder, dig deeper.

From Salon

In a bid to survive impoverished circumstances, miners and undocumented migrants are increasingly entering closed mines to dig up their remaining deposits.

From BBC

“He had some ability — I don’t know how — to quickly dig a grave,” Menninger said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bore
• bulldoze
• burrow
• clean
• discover
• dredge
• drill
• enter
• excavate
• exhume
• go into
• gouge
• harvest
• penetrate
• scoop
• search
• shovel
• sift
• uncover
• unearth