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.
Water use statistics Roughly half of the total water consumed in Texas goes to crop irrigation. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2025 An 84-year-old man was found dead in an irrigation canal in Williams after an hourslong search Saturday, but foul play is not suspected at this time, according to the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025 The best way to apply irrigation is slowly, gently, and over a long period so the water has time to sink into the soil. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025 Freeland added drip irrigation lines to his pumpkin field by pumping water from his well. Asher Redd, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Irrigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrigation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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