'excavator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excavare,' where 'ex-' meant 'out' and 'cavare' meant 'to hollow.'

'excavare' transformed into the French word 'excaver,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excavate,' from which 'excavator' is derived.

Initially, it meant 'to hollow out,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a machine that digs.'