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.
Curry mentions that some water utilities have even implemented mandatory bans on winter lawn watering and spray irrigation because of severe drought and low reservoir levels, including Denver Water—the largest water utility in Colorado. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 22 Oct. 2026 The catch is that many conservation practices, like water-friendly infrastructure and precision irrigation, are expensive. — Silvia Console Battilana, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 The report also found that Southern Punjab and transitional zones also hold opportunity for organic cotton farming, particularly where moderate irrigation is available. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026 Beyond all that open space, the ranch comes with extensive water rights, allowing water to be diverted from Trout Creek and Flint Creek for livestock and irrigation. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irrigation

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