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

Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026

These water issues suggest potentially costly problems with the foundation, mold, or drainage system. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026

Clean pans were stored on an unapproved dirty drainage board. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026

But the trouble spots — the heavy drainages, the cliffy areas — those are always impacted by debris flow. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 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)