backhoe

noun

back·​hoe ˈbak-ˌhō How to pronounce backhoe (audio)
: an excavating machine having a bucket that is attached to a rigid bar hinged to a boom and that is drawn toward the machine in operation

Examples of backhoe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On March 12, 1986, a contractor’s backhoe struck a major natural gas pipeline across the south end of downtown, causing a giant blast and fire that completely leveled the former Frank Kent Cadillac dealership on what’s now the southeast corner of East Lancaster Avenue and Main Street. Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2024 On a recent Saturday, a backhoe plunged its metal teeth into one of the most iconic homes in Fort Lauderdale. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2024 Soldiers in those jobs typically operate bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy equipment. Tim Craig, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2024 Little dams can be taken down by a small team with a backhoe, Tullos said. Alka Tripathy-Lang, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2024 The backhoe shuddered to a stop, and two workers from the funeral home jumped into the grave with shovels to dig out the rest of the earth by hand. Sarah Viren, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2023 Flood lights illuminated the pasture where Holly’s herd was grazing and a backhoe was digging. Maura Judkis, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2023 The brothers used a backhoe and small crane to remove much of the concrete casing. Tony Leys, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2023 Their recollections echo earlier statements from residents who told the AP of hearing a backhoe and jackhammer overnight and seeing a convoy of FBI vehicles, including armored trucks. Michael Rubinkam, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'backhoe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhoe was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near backhoe

Cite this Entry

“Backhoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhoe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

backhoe

noun
back·​hoe -ˌhō How to pronounce backhoe (audio)
: a large machine that digs into the earth with a metal scoop drawn toward the machine

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