diggings

[ dig-ingz dig-uhnz ]

noun

1. (usually used with a singular verb) a place where digging dig is carried on.
2. (used with a plural verb) a mining operation or locality.
3. (used with a plural verb) something that is removed from an excavation.
4. (used with a plural verb) Chiefly British Informal. dig ¹( def 11 ).

diggings

/ ˈdɪɡɪŋz /

plural noun

1. functioning as plural material that has been dug out
2. functioning as singular or plural a place where mining, esp gold mining, has taken place
3. informal.
   functioning as plural a less common name for digs

Word History and Origins

Origin of diggings¹

First recorded in 1530–40; dig ¹ + -ing ¹ + -s ³

Example Sentences

He said his crew was not familiar with smoldering peat fires that can burn below ground in the Canada woods, and they are still getting used to “all those diggings.”

From Seattle Times

But her family letters from a century ago told of gatherings, as well as grave diggings.

From New York Times

Foremole and his team knew all there was to know about the diggings: depth, approximate dimensions, the placement of shoring, even where the first rat’s head was likely to break ground.

From Literature

The name was popularized during the California gold rush, when tens of thousands of prospectors passed through Panama on their way to the diggings, many of them picking up a hat along the way.

From New York Times

On one road, they have set up a checkpoint to control access to their diggings.

From New York Times

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