Word
irrigation
Phoneticsir·ri·ga·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪɹəˈɡeɪʃən/
UK/ˌɪɹɪɡˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun Agriculture
Definition
n. the process of bringing water to land or crops to help them grow. Farmers use this when there is not enough rain for their plants.
n. the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the production of crops or the maintenance of landscapes. Often involves complex systems of pipes, ditches, or sprinklers.
Examples
“The farmer installed a new irrigation system for his corn field.”
“Without modern irrigation, the desert region would be unable to support large-scale commercial farming.”
“Ancient civilisations developed sophisticated irrigation networks to divert river water, allowing them to sustain growing populations even during prolonged periods of drought.”
Examples
simple
“The farmer installed a new irrigation system for his corn field.”
contextual
“Without modern irrigation, the desert region would be unable to support large-scale commercial farming.”
complex
“Ancient civilisations developed sophisticated irrigation networks to divert river water, allowing them to sustain growing populations even during prolonged periods of drought.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general process; can be countable when referring to specific technical systems.
Real-World Examples
“A dam designed mainly for electricity generation would have different consequences from one linked to large-scale irrigation.” “A sign warns passers-by that irrigation in the area uses treated sewage wastewater.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French irrigation, from Latin irrigatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/irrigation