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 Their home was demolished twice and irrigation pipes torn up. Hazlitt, 6 Mar. 2024 The lists include carnivals, alphabets, and equestrian games; traditions of boatbuilding and polyphonic song; systems of irrigation, navigation, divination, and conflict remediation; and at least one constitution—the Manden Charter, proclaimed eight centuries ago in present-day Mali. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 Design elements include rainwater capture, native and climate-appropriate plants, plants for habitat, efficient irrigation, permeable paving and the utilization of compost and mulch. Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 The watering schedule doesn’t apply to local homes and businesses using drip irrigation methods such as a watering hose and spray nozzles. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024 Approximately 20,000 properties in the Phoenix metropolitan area also receive flood irrigation water from SRP, including schools, recreation areas, urban farms, residential gardens, and orchards. Trilce Estrada Olvera, The Arizona Republic, 15 Feb. 2024 The plants will also require very large quantities of water (think drip irrigation) and the soil will need fertilizers such as nitrogen (large amounts), potassium and phosphates. Barb Sands, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2024 Even if levels fall below 30 percent, water users in Austin will face only minor restrictions, focused mostly on car washing and lawn irrigation. Dylan Baddour, WIRED, 27 Jan. 2024 Although Alaska has 79 thermal springs, half of which are concentrated on the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian chain, only around 20 of them are used for energy, irrigation and bathing. Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'irrigation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of irrigation was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near irrigation

Cite this Entry

“Irrigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrigation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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