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

Cutthroat trout aren’t native to the drainage, and rainbow and brown trout aren’t even native to the state. —Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 30 Oct. 2025

Good drainage is essential—soggy soil can cause bulbs to rot. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

While the dry upland habitat loss puts stress on swamp rabbit populations, the loss and drainage of wetlands also poses a challenge for the struggling rabbits. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 29 Oct. 2025

Phase one, set for this winter through spring 2026, aims to rehabilitate the pool slide, as well as make repairs to the pool vessel, deck and general drainage. —Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025

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)