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

On Cebu, the rugged terrain funnelled water straight into communities that lack sufficient drainage. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025

Fill containers with a high-quality commercial potting mix that promotes drainage. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

Poor drainage can lead to root rot, especially if your lavender is planted in an area with wet or clay-heavy soil. —Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Nov. 2025

Water and drainage districts Jennifer Gunby retains her seat on the Johnson County WaterOne Board, defeating a challenge from Bob Reese with 81% of the vote. —The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 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)