Etymology Map
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Irrigate

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to supply water to land

Where does the word "irrigate" come from? It comes from Latin irrigare, adopted directly into English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
irrigare
Latin · ancient
"to water"
'in-' plus 'rigare', to wet
2
Stage 2 of 2
irrigate
English · 1610s
"to water"
medical irrigation of wounds dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Irrigate’s story begins in Latin: irrigare meant “to water.” 'in-' plus 'rigare', to wet. It reached English by 1610s as irrigate. Medical irrigation of wounds dates from the 1800s. Today, irrigate means to supply water to land.