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.
Aim to give cucumber plants an inch of water each week from irrigation or rainfall, and water when the top few inches of soil feel dry. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 Overhead irrigation is discouraged to prevent leaf disease and spotting. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 July 2026 Private river water rights supply irrigation, sustaining the gardens and orchards year-round. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 July 2026 The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office was asking people to evacuate the potential path of the fire and to turn on irrigation water to saturate the land. — Michael R. Sisak, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 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

See All Rhymes for irrigation

Browse Nearby Words

irrigate
irrigation
irrigational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irrigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrigation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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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