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

Make sure your money tree's new home has drainage holes. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Feb. 2026

If drainage is an issue, add some perlite to the soil. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

Prevent frost heaving by aerating the soil, improving drainage, and mulching before winter. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 3 Feb. 2026

One resident spoke during a Lake County Board meeting, warning that such a project could exacerbate flooding issues for residents if unmarked underground drainage tiles were damaged. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 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)