irrigation

noun

ir·​ri·​ga·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce irrigation (audio)
1
: the watering of land by artificial means to foster plant growth
2
: the therapeutic flushing of a body part with a stream of liquid

Examples of irrigation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Desert and Arid Climates Turning on the irrigation system too late may stress plants as the temperatures rise. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025 Additionally, the landscaping will be significant and include sixty native plant varieties, with rainwater capture systems installed for irrigation. — Adam Williams, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025 On its own, Petra’s desert climate would be uninhabitable, but the Nabataeans’ sophisticated irrigation system supported the agriculture necessary to feed its inhabitants (10,000 to 30,000 at its peak). — Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025 Also, consider using drip instead of overhead irrigation, says Khan. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for irrigation

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of irrigation was in 1612

Rhymes for irrigation

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irrigation
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Cite this Entry

“Irrigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrigation. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

irrigation

noun
ir·​ri·​ga·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce irrigation (audio)
: an act or process of irrigating

More from Merriam-Webster on irrigation

Nglish: Translation of irrigation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irrigation

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