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

Vermiculite, a fine, puffed, gold flecks mica, which helps with drainage. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

While representatives for the Carpenters Local Union 405, maintained that the dispute was about environmental issues, much of the commentary from the public focused not on minutiae of drainage standards, but the labor that would be building the project. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025

The intersection improvement project, being done in partnership with the city of Lake Elmo, aims to improve intersection control, manage highway drainage and improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities. —Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 2 Dec. 2025

To-Do Checklist Monitor your drainage, especially around perennial beds. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Dec. 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)