English Lexicon

Backhoe

/ˈbæk.hoʊ/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A large, heavy machine used for digging and moving earth, typically equipped with a bucket on the end of a hinged arm.

    "The construction crew used a backhoe to excavate the foundation for the new building."
  2. 2

    A type of excavator that has a digging bucket on the back and a loader on the front.

    "The backhoe was essential for clearing the site quickly and efficiently."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'backhoe' is derived from the combination of 'back' and 'hoe', referring to the machine's digging action that pulls material towards itself, akin to a hoe being used backward. The word emerged in the mid-20th century as construction machinery evolved.

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