irrigation
To supply land or crops with water through man-made systems such as pipes, ditches, or sprinklers. It is an essential agricultural process used to assist in the growth of plants, especially in areas with low rainfall.
Examples
3 of 5I need to irrigate the backyard garden because it hasn't rained in over a week.
I need to irrigate the backyard garden because it hasn't rained in over a week.
The regional authorities have implemented a new plan to irrigate the dry plains of the central valley.
The regional authorities have implemented a new plan to irrigate the dry plains of the central valley.
Don't forget to irrigate those hanging baskets or they'll wilt by tomorrow.
Don't forget to irrigate those hanging baskets or they'll wilt by tomorrow.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Irrigate' as 'In-River-Gate'—using a gate to let river water into your fields.
Quick Quiz
The farmers had to ____ their land manually until the new canal was built.
Correct!
The correct answer is: irrigate
Examples
I need to irrigate the backyard garden because it hasn't rained in over a week.
everydayI need to irrigate the backyard garden because it hasn't rained in over a week.
The regional authorities have implemented a new plan to irrigate the dry plains of the central valley.
formalThe regional authorities have implemented a new plan to irrigate the dry plains of the central valley.
Don't forget to irrigate those hanging baskets or they'll wilt by tomorrow.
informalDon't forget to irrigate those hanging baskets or they'll wilt by tomorrow.
Ancient civilizations developed sophisticated methods to irrigate their crops using river water diverted through canals.
academicAncient civilizations developed sophisticated methods to irrigate their crops using river water diverted through canals.
Agribusiness firms are seeking more sustainable ways to irrigate vast plantations without depleting groundwater.
businessAgribusiness firms are seeking more sustainable ways to irrigate vast plantations without depleting groundwater.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
drip irrigation
drip irrigation
irrigate the soil
irrigate the soil
surface irrigation
surface irrigation
Often Confused With
To irrigate means to water land, whereas to irritate means to annoy someone or make a body part sore.
To irrigate is related to water supply, while to mitigate means to make a problem or pain less severe.
Usage Notes
While primarily used in farming to describe watering land, it is also frequently used in medical contexts to describe the cleaning of a wound with a flow of liquid.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'irrigation' when the sentence requires the verb form 'irrigate'. Also, ensure not to confuse it with 'irritate', which has a completely different meaning.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Irrigate' as 'In-River-Gate'—using a gate to let river water into your fields.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'irrigatus', the past participle of 'irrigare', meaning 'to lead water into'.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The farmers had to ____ their land manually until the new canal was built.
Correct!
The correct answer is: irrigate
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