irrigation

American  

[ir-i-gey-shuhn] / ˌɪr ɪˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops.

2. Medicine/Medical. the flushing or washing out of anything with water or other liquid.

3. the state of being irrigated.

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irrigation Cultural  

1. Artificial provision of water to sustain growing plants.

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Irrigation accounts for the greatest part of water usage in the western United States.

Other Word Forms

• irrigational adjective
• nonirrigation noun
• overirrigation noun
• preirrigation noun
• preirrigational adjective
• proirrigation adjective
• reirrigation noun

Etymology

Origin of irrigation

First recorded in 1605–15, irrigation is from the Latin word irrigātiōn- (stem of irrigātiō ). See irrigate, -ion

Example Sentences

After setting up movable micro-emitters for irrigation, they planted native species that fit the site, soil and climate, focusing on their role in supporting a diverse ecosystem.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

“It is a systemic shock that moves through the infrastructure of everyday life, from power plants to irrigation canals, and ultimately to food security.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Instead, the results provide a clearer picture of how plants distribute chemical compounds that enter through irrigation water.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

Replanting and repairing the damage without gasoline for tractors or electricity for irrigation is nearly impossible.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Because terraces soak up more sunlight than steep slopes, maize can be grown at higher than usual altitudes on them; irrigation similarly increases the area available for maize farming.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann