Definition of "dig" in Anglais

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To move hard-packed earth out of the way, especially downward to make a hole with a shovel. Or to drill, or the like, through rocks, roads, or the like. More generally, to make any similar hole by moving material out of the way.

   • They dug an eight-foot ditch along the side of the road.
   • In the wintertime, heavy truck tires dig into the road, forming potholes.
   • If the plane can't pull out of the dive it is in, it'll dig a hole in the ground.
   • My seven-year-old son always digs a hole in the middle of his mashed potatoes and fills it with gravy before he starts to eat them.

2. (transitive) To get by digging; to take from the ground; often with up.

   • to dig potatoes
   • to dig up gold

3. (mining) To take ore from its bed, in distinction from making excavations in search of ore.

4. (US, slang, dated) To work like a digger; to study ploddingly and laboriously.

5. (figurative) To investigate, to research, often followed by out or up.

   • to dig up evidence
   • to dig out the facts

6. To thrust; to poke.

   • He dug an elbow into my ribs and guffawed at his own joke.

7. (volleyball) To defend against an attack hit by the opposing team by successfully passing the ball

noun

1. An archeological or paleontological investigation, or the site where such an investigation is taking place.

2. A thrust; a poke.

   • He guffawed and gave me a dig in the ribs after telling his latest joke.

3. (archaic, slang) A hard blow, especially (boxing) a straight left-hander delivered under the opponent's guard.

4. (volleyball) A defensive pass of the ball that has been attacked by the opposing team.

5. (cricket) An innings.

6. A cutting, sarcastic remark.

7. The occupation of digging for gold.

8. (US, colloquial, dated) A plodding and laborious student.

9. (UK, dialect, dated) A tool for digging.

10. (music, slang) A rare or interesting vinyl record bought second-hand.

    • a £1 charity shop dig

verb

1. (dated slang) To understand.

   • You dig?

2. (dated slang, transitive) To appreciate, or like.