archaeology

noun

ar·​chae·​ol·​o·​gy ˌär-kē-ˈä-lə-jē 

variants or archeology

1

: the scientific study of material remains (such as tools, pottery, jewelry, stone walls, and monuments) of past human life and activities

2

: remains of the culture of a people : antiquities

the archaeology of the Incas

archaeological

ˌär-kē-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

archaeologically

ˌär-kē-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

archaeologist

ˌär-kē-ˈä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of archaeology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In July 2022, researchers and divers from the underwater archaeology organization Sealark Exploration located and explored the wreck site on the behalf of the DPAA. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 1 May 2026

The robot’s ability to revisit the site, capture data, and retrieve objects with minimal disruption marks a shift toward non-invasive underwater archaeology. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

That’s not intelligence—that’s archaeology. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

Best known for its moai, the nearly 1,000 massive volcanic-stone statues carved by the Rapa Nui people centuries ago, the island has long held a mysterious pull among travelers drawn to archaeology and myth. —Carla Vianna, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French archéologie, from Late Latin archaeologia antiquarian lore, from Greek archaiologia, from archaio- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing archaeology

• industrial archaeology

Rhymes for archaeology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology
• egyptology

Kids Definition

archaeology

noun

ar·​chae·​ol·​o·​gy

variants or archeology

ˌär-kē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

: the science that deals with past human life as shown by fossil relics and the monuments and tools left by ancient peoples

archaeological

-kē-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

archaeologist

-kē-ˈäl-ə-jəst 

noun