to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., as with a shovel, spade, bulldozer, or claw; make an excavation., to make one's way or work by or as by removing or turning over material., to poke, thrust, or force (usually followed by 'in', 'into', 'or 'through')

Formal and Informal Expressions of dig

In different contexts, you can replace 'dig' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'excavate, delve' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shovel, scoop' is a commonplace synonym.

dig: Explore its Definition & Usage

dig Definition

1to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc., as with a shovel, spade, bulldozer, or claw; make an excavation.
2to make one's way or work by or as by removing or turning over material.
3to poke, thrust, or force (usually followed by 'in', 'into', 'or 'through')

Using dig: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dig" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He dug a hole in the ground with a shovel.
Example
The dog dug a hole under the fence and escaped.
Example
She dug through her purse to find her keys.
Example
I need to dig deeper to find the root of the problem.
Example
He dug into his steak with a knife and fork.

dig Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dig

Antonyms for dig

Phrases with dig

dig in
to begin eating heartily
Example
Let's dig in before the food gets cold.
dig out
to remove something from a place where it is buried or hidden
Example
I need to dig out my winter coat from the back of the closet.
dig up
to uncover or discover something by digging
Example
They dug up some old artifacts while excavating the site.

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Summary: dig in Brief

The verb 'dig' [dɪɡ] means to break up, turn over, or remove earth, sand, etc. with a tool, to make one's way or work by removing or turning over material, or to poke, thrust, or force something in. It has synonyms like 'excavate,' 'shovel,' and 'tunnel.' Phrases include 'dig in,' meaning to begin eating heartily, 'dig out,' meaning to remove something from a place where it is buried or hidden, and 'dig up,' meaning to uncover or discover something by digging.