drainage

noun

drain·​age ˈdrā-nij 

1

: the act, process, or mode of draining

also : something drained off

2

: a device for draining : drain

also : a system of drains

3

: an area or district drained

Examples of drainage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

City crews have also been clearing more than 31,000 catch basins and drainage systems and inspecting and reinforcing vulnerable hillsides and burn areas, including Pacific Palisades, Bass said in a statement. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Meanwhile, public works crews in Hollywood are actively preparing drainage infrastructure. — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

What saunas may offer women PT and lymphatic drainage expert Sonia Rose told Women’s Health that warmth has long been a female comfort ritual. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

The county’s staff report warned that the deteriorating pipe could cause more ground collapses, damage nearby property and interfere with stormwater drainage. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

drainage

noun

drain·​age ˈdrā-nij 

1

a

: the act of draining

b

: something drained off

2

: a method of draining

also : a system of drains

Medical Definition

drainage

noun

drain·​age ˈdrā-nij 

1

: the act or process of drawing off fluids from a cavity or wound by means of suction or gravity

2

: a process of releasing internal conflicts or pent-up feelings (as hostility or guilt)