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

New Jersey authorized stormwater utilities in 2019, giving every town the power to fund drainage improvements through modest fees tied to pavement and runoff, yet almost no municipality has created one. — Ravi S. Bhalla, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026

Radar indicates that some storms are nearly stationary, increasing the risk of heavy rainfall and temporary street flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. — Cbs News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026

To prevent a drainage of power, Swift isn’t currently making science observations, but that could change this fall if LINK is successful. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Reduce soil moisture, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and let the soil dry between waterings to kill eggs. — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 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)