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

Blueberries require acidic soil, full sun, and good soil drainage. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 6 Sep. 2026

This sort of opinion has come about in response to four years of brand drainage. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026

Kauai County has begun clearing drainage systems and staging equipment in flood-prone areas. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026

But physical activity of any kind, including walking, supports lymphatic drainage because the lymphatic vessels run alongside your muscles throughout your body, Sturm says. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Sep. 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)