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

Less permeable land for rain to be absorbed means the water has to go into the stormwater drainage system. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Development decisions should consider traffic, infrastructure, drainage, noise, environmental impacts, and public safety before projects are approved. — Evelyn Bryant, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

That includes construction, improvement, maintenance, repair and replacement of streets and sidewalks, as well as drainage, sewers and other related infrastructure. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 12 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)