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. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025

For instance, those flood complaints may help form a city’s stormwater masterplan, which helps identify where new drainage needs to be installed, but not in a way where a would-be homeowner could find out if their potential new home is on a street with a bevy of complaints. —Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025

Full sun and good drainage are key, as cherry trees are shallow-rooted and susceptible to root rot in heavy, wet clay soils. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2025

Rhizomes are susceptible to fungal disease and root rot, so good drainage is important. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 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)