transitive verb dug, digging dig′·ging

1. to break and turn up or remove (ground, etc.) with a spade or other tool, or with hands, claws, snout, etc.
2. to make (a hole, cellar, one's way, etc.) by or as by doing this
3. to uncover and get from the ground or another surface in this way to dig potatoes, to dig a nail out of a board
4. ☆ to find out, as by careful study or investigation; unearth: usually with up or out to dig out the truth
5. to thrust, jab, or prod to dig an elbow into someone's ribs
6. ☆ Slang
   1. to understand
   2. to approve of or like
   3. to notice; look at dig that shirt!

Etymology: ME diggen < Anglo-Fr *diguer < OFr digue, dike < Du dijk: see dike

intransitive verb

1. to dig the ground or any surface
2. to make a way by or as by digging (through, into, under)
3. ☆ Informal to work or study hard

noun

1. the act of digging
2. Informal a thrust, poke, nudge, etc.
3. Informal a sarcastic comment; taunt; gibe
4. an archaeological excavation or its site
5. Chiefly Brit., Informal living quarters; lodgings