C1nounfoodenvironment
US/ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌɪr.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
a system of supplying water to land so that crops can grow
In context
Without irrigation, the dry plains could not support large-scale farming.
The government is investing in irrigation to help farmers cope with drought.
Irrigation accounts for about seventy percent of the water used worldwide.
Words that go with irrigation
noun + noun
- irrigation systemThe new irrigation system doubled the farm's yield.
- drip irrigationDrip irrigation wastes much less water than flooding the fields.
- crop irrigationCrop irrigation uses a huge share of the region's water.
- irrigation waterIrrigation water is often taken from nearby rivers.
- irrigation canalAn old irrigation canal runs along the edge of the field.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Farmers irrigation the fields every week.Correct: Farmers irrigate the fields every week.