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

According to Morgan, there will also be mobile units that can go up for 48 hours while CTDOT staff are fixing guard rails, potholes or a drainage project. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2026

Overflowing poor drainage areas. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Jan. 2026

Take your time to inspect and properly attach the garden hose to the drain valve, and then run the garden hose to a safe drainage location. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. —Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 30 Dec. 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)