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. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2025

To grow geraniums in pots indoors over the winter, dig them up before the first frost and pot them in fresh soil in a container with drainage holes. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025

After watering the plant until the water runs out of the pot’s drainage holes, empty the excess water so the roots are not left standing in water. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 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)