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

Professional lymphatic drainage techniques are helpful, but random scraping inspired by social media tutorials is unlikely to produce meaningful change — and results require correct, consistent technique. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

Professional lymphatic drainage? —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Facial Tools That Are Overhyped Jade Rollers Jade rollers have become a staple of social media skincare routines, often marketed for lymphatic drainage and facial sculpting. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Pour water over the soil, not the leaves, until it is saturated and water runs out of the drainage holes. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 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)