ir-ih-GAY-shun
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growth of agricultural crops and vegetation. This ancient practice, dating back over 6,000 years, involves various methods of distributing water through channels, pipes, sprinklers, or drip systems to supplement insufficient rainfall and ensure optimal plant growth.
11
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
IRRIGATION is a solid 10-letter word with double R and double I, providing flexibility for parallel plays. The -TION suffix is one of the most common in English, making it easier to build from existing words. Look for opportunities to add to words ending in -GATE or containing RIGID.
Irrigation is the controlled application of water to agricultural land to supplement natural rainfall and ensure adequate moisture for crop growth. This essential agricultural practice involves the design, installation, and management of systems that deliver water to plants at the right time and in the right amounts, maximizing crop yield while conserving water resources.
Beyond simple watering, irrigation represents a complex science that considers soil types, crop water requirements, climate conditions, and water availability. Modern irrigation systems range from traditional surface methods like furrow and flood irrigation to sophisticated technologies including center-pivot sprinklers, drip irrigation, and computer-controlled micro-irrigation systems that optimize water usage down to individual plants.
The practice of irrigation has shaped civilizations throughout history. Ancient irrigation systems along the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, and Indus rivers enabled the rise of the world's first major civilizations. Today, irrigated agriculture produces about 40% of the world's food supply on just 20% of cultivated land, highlighting its crucial role in global food security.
In word games, IRRIGATION offers strategic value as a 10-letter word containing common letters and the highly playable -TION suffix. The double R and double I provide opportunities for parallel plays, while the word's length allows for multiple crossword intersections. Its agricultural theme makes it a frequently accepted term across all major word game dictionaries.
The word "irrigation" derives from the Latin "irrigatio," from the verb "irrigare" meaning "to water, to moisten, to flood." This Latin root combines "ir-" (variant of "in-" meaning "into") + "rigare" (to water, to wet), which is related to "rain" and shares Indo-European roots with words for moisture and flow.
The etymological development follows this timeline:
Interestingly, the medical use of "irrigation" (flushing wounds or body cavities with liquid) developed much later than the agricultural sense, showing how technical terms often expand their meanings across disciplines. The root "rigare" also gave us "rigid" (originally meaning "well-watered" before shifting to "stiff").
Words with related meanings
Watering
General term for supplying water to plants
Hydration
Process of providing water or moisture
Sprinkling
Distributing water in drops or particles
Flooding
Covering land with water (specific method)
Moistening
Making slightly wet or damp
Inundation
Overwhelming with water
Associated concepts in farming
Drainage
Removal of excess water from land
Cultivation
Preparing and using land for crops
Fertigation
Fertilizer application through irrigation
Aqueduct
Channel for conveying water
Watershed
Area draining to a water system
Aquifer
Underground water-bearing rock layer
Verb Form
irrigate
Farmers irrigate their fields during dry seasons.
Person Who Does
irrigator
The irrigator adjusted the sprinkler system.
Related Terms
Network of water distribution equipment
Water-efficient method using tubes
Artificial waterway for agriculture
Timed plan for watering crops
Total base points: 11 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 5
Repeated letters: I×3, R×2
Prefix
IR- (into, in)
Root
RIG (to water, wet)
Suffix
-ATION (action/process)
Subwords
If you can't play IRRIGATION, consider these subwords:
"The ancient irrigation channels of the Indus Valley Civilization demonstrate sophisticated water management techniques that sustained large urban populations."
"Modern precision irrigation systems use sensors and AI to deliver exactly the right amount of water to each plant, reducing water waste by up to 50%."
"Climate change has made efficient irrigation more critical than ever, as traditional rainfall patterns become increasingly unpredictable."
Agriculture: "The farm's new drip irrigation system reduced water consumption by 40% while increasing crop yields."
Medical: "The surgeon performed wound irrigation with saline solution to prevent infection."
Landscaping: "Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels."
The oldest and most common method, where water flows over the soil surface by gravity. Includes furrow irrigation (water flows in channels between crop rows), basin irrigation (flooding flat areas surrounded by levees), and border strip irrigation. While simple and low-cost, it's less water-efficient than modern methods.
Water is distributed through a system of pipes and sprayed into the air to fall like rain. Center-pivot systems create the distinctive circular fields visible from aircraft. Sprinklers work well on uneven terrain and sandy soils but can lose water to evaporation in hot, windy conditions.
The most water-efficient method, delivering water directly to plant roots through tubes and emitters. Reduces water waste, prevents weed growth between plants, and allows precise fertilizer application (fertigation). Ideal for high-value crops but requires significant initial investment and maintenance.
Water is applied below the soil surface through buried pipes or by raising the water table. Minimizes evaporation losses and keeps the soil surface dry, reducing disease. Used in areas with high water tables or for specialized crops. Requires careful management to prevent waterlogging.
Irrigation vs. Irritation
Often confused in spelling; very different meanings
Watering vs. Irrigation
Irrigation is systematic; watering is general
Agricultural vs. Medical Use
Same word, different contexts and methods
Drainage vs. Irrigation
Opposite processes often managed together
IRRIGATE
To supply water to land
CULTIVATION
Preparing land for crops
DRAINAGE
Removing excess water
AQUEDUCT
Water-carrying channel
HYDRATION
Process of adding water
AGRICULTURE
Science of farming
Other valuable long words ending in -TION in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like IRRIGATION