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dig

Syllabification: (dig)
Pronunciation: /dig/
Translate dig | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of dig

verb (digs, digging; past and past participle dug /dəg/)

  • 1 [no object] break up and move earth with a tool or machine, or with hands, paws, snout, etc.:the boar had been digging for roots [with object]:she had to dig the garden authorities cause chaos by digging up roads
  • [with object] make (a hole, grave, etc.) by breaking up and moving earth:he took a spade and dug a hole (as adjective dug)the newly dug grave
  • [with object] extract from the ground by breaking up and moving earth:they dug up fossils of an animal about the size of a turkey
  • (dig in) (of a soldier) protect oneself by making a trench or similar ground defense.
  • [in imperative] (dig in) informal used to encourage someone to start eating with gusto and have as much as they want:put the sausage on top of the polenta; then dig in
  • [with object] (dig something in/into) push or poke something in or into:he dug his hands into his pockets
  • [with object] excavate (an archaeological site):apart from digging a site, recording evidence is important
  • [with object] (dig something out) bring out something that is hidden or has been stored for a long time:they dug out last year’s notes
  • (dig into) informal find money from (somewhere):members have to dig deep into their pockets
  • search or rummage in a specified place:Catherine dug into her handbag and produced her card
  • engage in research; conduct an investigation:a professional digging for information he had no compunction about digging into her private affairs
  • [with object] (dig something up/out) discover information after a search or investigation:have you dug up any information on the captain?
  • 2 [with object] informal like, appreciate, or understand:I really dig heavy rock

noun

  • 1 [in singular] an act or spell of digging:a thorough dig of the whole plot
  • an archaeological excavation.
  • 2a push or poke with one’s elbow, finger, etc.:Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs
  • informal a remark intended to mock or criticize:this was a cruel dig at Jenny

Phrases

dig up dirt

informal discover and reveal damaging information about someone.

dig oneself into a hole (or dig a hole for oneself)

get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.

dig in one's heels

resist stubbornly; refuse to give in:he has dug in his heels and refuses to leave

dig's one's own grave

see grave1.

Origin:

Middle English: perhaps from Old English dīc 'ditch'

dig in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of dig in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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