Hierarchy Tree
Types of “Excavator”
3 typesMore specific words (hyponyms)
Understanding Word Hierarchy
- ↑ Hypernyms (blue) are broader categories — “excavator” is a type of these.
- ↓ Hyponyms (purple) are more specific — these are types of “excavator”.
- → Click any word to explore its own hierarchy and navigate the vocabulary tree.
- → Use in writing — swap a vague word for a precise hyponym to make your writing more specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
What category does "excavator" belong to?
"Excavator" is a kind of machine, worker. These are its hypernyms — broader categories that "excavator" falls under according to WordNet.
What are more specific types of "excavator"?
More specific types of "excavator" (hyponyms) include: backhoe, steam shovel, dredge. These are all subtypes that fall under the category of "excavator".
What is a hypernym?
A hypernym is a word whose meaning includes the meaning of a more specific word. For example, "vehicle" is a hypernym of "car" — every car is a vehicle, but not every vehicle is a car.
What is a hyponym?
A hyponym is a word that is more specific than a general term. For example, "oak" and "pine" are hyponyms of "tree". Understanding hyponyms helps you choose more precise language in writing.