irrigation

noun

ir·ri·ga·tion | \ ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən

How to pronounce irrigation (audio)

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Definition of irrigation

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 Once the design is finalized, you may be asked to remove personal items in the right-of-way that interfere with the construction of the project such as trees, landscaping beds, irrigation systems, landscaping pavers, etc. — Linda Gandee, cleveland, "North Ridgeville sewer line construction begins," 25 Jan. 2021 For similar reasons, avoid placing a sensor too close to trees, nearby buildings, other structures, or irrigation systems. — Adrienne Donica, Popular Mechanics, "Become Your Own Meteorologist with a Home Weather Station," 4 Jan. 2021 Even without the dam, many of the delta’s irrigation canals are running dry. — Washington Post, "Africa’s largest dam powers dreams of prosperity in Ethiopia — and fears of hunger in Egypt," 15 Oct. 2020 It’s responsible for the irrigation of roughly 5.5 million acres of land marked for agricultural use. — Nick Martin, The New Republic, "The Colorado River Crisis Is a National Crisis," 8 Feb. 2021 For example, a farmer who uses irrigation water might, in expectation of a dry season or drought, wish to insure against a jump in the price of water. — Steve H. Hanke, National Review, "Scarce Water Finally Receives Its Due, Namely a Price," 7 Dec. 2020 Across that terrain ran the Zanja Madre, a web of brick and mortar conduits fed by a large water wheel that carried irrigation water in the young city. — Louis Sahagún Staff Writer, Los Angeles Times, "Proposed aerial tram for Dodger fans ignites controversy at Los Angeles State Historic Park," 26 Nov. 2020 San Diegans also voted on the amendments, defeating all but those pertaining to the formation of irrigation districts and the free text books. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: San Diego County’s representation in Congress," 6 Nov. 2020 Since late August, however, conditions have been relatively dry, and irrigation is needed now. — Dan Gill, NOLA.com, "With some signs of cooler weather creeping in, it's time to start planning your fall garden," 16 Sep. 2020

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.

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irrigation efficiency

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Last Updated

3 Mar 2021

Cite this Entry

“Irrigation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irrigation. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.

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More Definitions for irrigation

irrigation

noun

ir·ri·ga·tion | \ ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən

\

Kids Definition of irrigation

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

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