Search Dictionary
Definition of irrigate

irrigate

/ˈɪr.ɪ.ɡeɪt/
ir · ri · gate
Adjective:irrigational
•
Past Simple:irrigated
•
Past Participle:irrigated
•
Present Participle:irrigating
JUMP TO:

irrigate Lexical Profile

irrigate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To supply water to land or crops by means of artificial channels, pipes, or sprinklers to promote agricultural growth.

Example

"Farmers in the arid valley use a network of canals to irrigate their orchards during the dry summer months."

2

To flush or wash out a wound, body cavity, or organ with a steady stream of water or medicated solution (in medicine).

Example

"The nurse used a sterile saline solution to irrigate the patient's wound before applying a clean dressing."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for irrigate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for irrigate

• Nearby Words

irreversibly
irrevocable
irrevocably
irrigate
irrigation
irrigator
irritability

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin 'irrigatus', the past participle of 'irrigare' (to lead water to, water, or flood), formed from the prefix 'in-' (into, upon) and 'rigare' (to moisten or wet).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Irrigate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/irrigate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.