irrigate

[ ir-i-geyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ir·ri·gat·ed, ir·ri·gat·ing.

1. to supply (land) with water by artificial means, as by diverting streams, flooding, or spraying.
2. Medicine/Medical. to supply or wash (an orifice, wound, etc.) with a spray or a flow of some liquid.
3. to moisten; wet.

irrigate

/ ˈɪrɪˌɡeɪt /

verb

1. to supply (land) with water by means of artificial canals, ditches, etc, esp to promote the growth of food crops
2. med to bathe or wash out a bodily part, cavity, or wound
3. tr to make fertile, fresh, or vital by or as if by watering

Derived Forms

• ˌirriˈgation, noun
• ˌirriˈgational, adjective
• ˈirriˌgator, noun
• ˈirrigable, adjective

Other Words From

• irri·gator noun
• non·irri·gated adjective
• non·irri·gating adjective
• over·irri·gate verb (used with object) overirrigated overirrigating
• re·irri·gate verb (used with object) reirrigated reirrigating
• un·irri·gated adjective
• well-irri·gated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of irrigate¹

1605–15; < Latin irrigātus, past participle of irrigāre to wet, flood, nourish with water, equivalent to ir- ir- ¹ + rigā- (stem of rigāre to provide with water, soak) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of irrigate¹

C17: from Latin irrigāre, from rigāre to moisten, conduct water

Example Sentences

Built in 2021, the abolitionist pods are autonomously irrigated, solar-powered geodesic domes that serve as hubs for community empowerment and healing.

From Los Angeles Times

Our research found over half of our cheesemakers were using multiple methods to reduce whey going to waste, from making animal feed to making ricotta to irrigating paddocks.

From Salon

The report looks at both irrigated crops, in which water is transferred from reservoirs to cropland, and rain-fed crops, which receive water through precipitation.

From Salon

In an interview with local broadcaster Joy FM, he also pointed out that mercury could affect the entire food chain, as it accumulates in fish and can enter crops irrigated with the water.

From BBC

Begun in the summer of 2022, it provides block grants and technical assistance to organizations and tribes for repurposing irrigated agricultural land to uses that reduce reliance on groundwater while providing new community benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inundate
• soak