backhoe

or back-hoe, back hoe

[ bak-hoh ]

noun

1. a hydraulic excavating machine consisting of a tractor having an attached hinged boom, with a bucket with movable jaws on the end of the boom.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backhoe¹

First recorded in 1940–45; back ¹ + hoe

Example Sentences

On a recent Sunday, huge tractors, backhoes and trucks blazed down a two-lane country highway, blaring their horns on their way to a “Farmers for Trump” rally near Hilmar.

From Los Angeles Times

A few days later, detectives found the stolen backhoe at a truck stop in Tulare.

From Los Angeles Times

Wiggins, though, declined to estimate when water would be flowing again, even as backhoes continued digging in a hole behind him.

From Seattle Times

Cranes and backhoes were brought in to stabilize the parts of the building left standing.

From Seattle Times

Winters, he endured temperatures so extreme they could crack a backhoe.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bulldozer
• digger