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

City sets the minimum road elevation and requires drainage design that protects adjacent private lots from runoff. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026

And as sea level rise pushes tides and groundwater levels higher, soaking up the dry dirt and drainage area Florida was built to rely on, even smaller storms could cause the kind of damage seen last week. — Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Its condition affects everything from agricultural productivity and food security to roads, homes, and municipal drainage systems. — Mark Trebilcock, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

Steep river banks, bluff edges, drainage ditches, and other terrain features can serve as blockers that keep deer from circling completely downwind of you. — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 9 Nov. 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)