What does irrigator mean?
An irrigator is a device or system that supplies water to plants, crops, or soil, usually in a controlled and regular manner. It may take the form of a sprinkler, hose attachment, greenhouse system, or larger agricultural installation. The word can also refer to a person whose responsibility is to irrigate land, though this use is less common in everyday speech. Irrigators are associated with agriculture, gardening, and land management, where the efficient distribution of water is important. Compared with the general term watering, the word often carries a more technical or professional tone. In American English it is particularly familiar in descriptions of sprinkler-like equipment, while the person sense is more formal and occupational. Understanding irrigator therefore requires recognizing both its practical function as a water-delivery device and its older human designation for someone who waters crops or cultivates land.
nounA device, appliance, or system that supplies water to crops, soil, or plants. The word may also denote a person or organization responsible for irrigating land.
- A device or system that supplies water to crops, soil, or plants.
- A person whose work or responsibility is to irrigate land.
"The farmer adjusted the irrigator so that each row received water evenly."
"A timed irrigator comes on each evening to water the greenhouse."
"She works as an irrigator, monitoring water levels across the fields."
The plural refers to multiple watering devices, systems, or people.
"Several irrigators were installed along the field."
From ancient channels to modern sprinklers, the irrigator has always helped water follow the crop.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does irrigator come from?
Irrigator comes from the Latin agent noun irrigator, meaning “one who waters,” formed from irrigare, “to water.” It entered English during the early modern period, initially referring to a person who irrigated land. The later sense for a device that supplies water developed as agricultural irrigation became increasingly mechanized.
How irrigator is actually used
The device sense is especially common in agricultural, horticultural, and irrigation-equipment contexts. In general speech, sprinkler is often more familiar.
Easily confused with irrigator
An irrigator is a device or person that supplies water, whereas irrigation is the process or practice of watering land and crops.