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

Don't forget to cut a few holes in the bottom for drainage. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2026

The pot features a drainage hole and a plug and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026

The wet weather has left some areas — particularly those in the North Bay — prone to minor flooding in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. —Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

In Trumbull, the zoning commission on Thursday night unanimously rejected Vessel’s permit request, saying there is a compelling public interest in first seeing complete drainage plans, environmental assessments and proof of approval for sewer connections. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 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)