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.
Testing the soil before providing irrigation will prevent you from overwatering or underwatering your boxwoods and help alleviate browning caused by insufficient or excessive soil moisture. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026 Colorado State Patrol The Kenworth collided with the left side of the International trailer, overturning the trailer into an irrigation ditch on the south side of the roadway. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 The parasite can be shed in human feces, mature in the environment, and spread to fresh produce and irrigation water. — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 Rockford was also concerned about potential damage to the field’s irrigation system. — James Raia, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 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

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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 7 Aug. 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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