irrigation

noun ir·ri·ga·tion \ ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən \

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

Definition of irrigation

1 : the therapeutic flushing of a body part with a stream of liquid

2 : the watering of land by artificial means to foster plant growth

Recent Examples of irrigation from the Web

In drought years, the bureau rarely runs any water past Milner Dam, and once summer irrigation kicks in full-bore, the flow at Milner is zero.

— steve stuebner, idahostatesman, "Experience the thundering power of Shoshone Falls — then visit nearby waterfalls, too | Idaho Statesman," 16 Apr. 2018
After the protests, the government quickly dug public wells to a depth of 656 feet — the same depth as irrigation wells.

— sophie nunnally, USA TODAY, "In Morocco, residents never know when water will flow so they leave the taps on," 5 Apr. 2018
Other moments, like the invention of barbed wire or large-scale irrigation or even the development of the first Texas NFL franchise, though less monumental, still played a significant role in shaping the culture of Texas.

— daniela sternitzky-di napoli, Houston Chronicle, "Historic moments that helped define Texas," 4 Apr. 2018
Firefighters saw water in the irrigation box and were able to hear the man, but could not see him, Van Hook said.

— chris mccrory, azcentral, "Man hollers from storm drain, is rescued by Phoenix firefighters," 2 Apr. 2018
The driver took off down Marshall and collided with some irrigation equipment before speeding off on El Cajon Boulevard toward La Mesa.

— karen kucher, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Teen arrested after leading police on chase from El Cajon to La Mesa," 2 Apr. 2018
When design, the social sector, and investment intersect, life-changing products that specifically meet the needs of the poor can be created, from irrigation pumps, to solar lanterns, to prosthetics.

— Fortune, "Design Needs to Address Some of the World's Biggest Problems, Says This Author and Architect," 7 Mar. 2018
This is exacerbated by dry weather and proper irrigation will help.

— NOLA.com, "Japanese magnolias: How to choose, plant and care for these spring-flowering beauties," 3 Mar. 2018
Ask if the contractor can program your irrigation system with several cycles to meet your watering needs year round.

— Houston Chronicle, "Hire a contractor for lawn irrigation install," 31 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'irrigation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of irrigation

1612

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

IRRIGATION Defined for Kids

irrigation

noun ir·ri·ga·tion \ ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən \

Definition of irrigation for Students

: an act or process of supplying with water or cleaning with a flow of liquid

Learn More about irrigation

See words that rhyme with irrigation Spanish Central: Translation of irrigation Nglish: Translation of irrigation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of irrigation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about irrigation

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irrigation

Definition of irrigation

Recent Examples of irrigation from the Web

First Known Use of irrigation

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

IRRIGATION Defined for Kids

irrigation

Definition of irrigation for Students

Learn More about irrigation

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irrigation

Definition of irrigation

Recent Examples of irrigation from the Web

First Known Use of irrigation

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IRRIGATION Defined for Kids

irrigation

Definition of irrigation for Students

Learn More about irrigation

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