irrigation

noun

ir·​ri·​ga·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən 

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

Plants growing in sandy soils may require more frequent irrigation, as will plants growing under intense sunlight. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025

As a result, the lagoon is a few feet higher than sea level and filled with freshwater from rain and irrigation runoff. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025

Cucumbers can sometimes carry Salmonella, which may contaminate their skin or flesh during irrigation with unsafe water or through improper handling and distribution practices. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 Sep. 2025

This is an opportunity to replace your grass with water-efficient landscaping and get a free rain barrel and a chance to win a smart irrigation controller. —Andrea Manes, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for irrigation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

irrigation

noun

ir·​ri·​ga·​tion ˌir-ə-ˈgā-shən 

: an act or process of irrigating