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 The terrace, renovated by the current owner, according to listing details, sports lush landscaping, an irrigation system, a barbecue area, and plenty of space for lounging. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024 The calves appear to have been placed on their backs in irrigation trenches up to 26 inches deep, then covered with soil. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 For these farmers, the solar irrigation revolution in Yemen is born of necessity. Fred Pearce, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2024 Ak-Chin sued two local irrigation districts to resolve the issue and Miguel said the litigation is ongoing. Tribes and water:Their pleas for water were long ignored. The Arizona Republic, 27 Feb. 2024 The firm, with 60 employees, is working overtime to put new venting roofs on Monterey County greenhouses and adding irrigation and shade systems for pot growing. Peter Hecht, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 The Ataturk Dam, located in Turkey, is one of 22 dams along the river that were built in the 1980s and 90s to provide irrigation and hydroelectric power. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 8 Feb. 2024 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

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 28 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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