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

The project includes replacing and rehabilitating drainage culverts beneath the highway to help preserve the roadbed and reduce flooding. —Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026

Just make sure your side yard gets good drainage before committing to this feature. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 10 May 2026

The stadium will need several alterations to accommodate the soccer team, including changes to the field, improvements on the HVAC system, flood and drainage repairs, and other structural fixes. —P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Resident Mark Corey, who has lived in Hobart for 63 years, commented about the 18 Amazon representatives present, many of whom sat in courtroom chairs and provided expertise when asked about acoustics, landscaping, traffic, water and drainage. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 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)