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

Emily Demirdonder, director of operations and marketing at Proximity Plumbing, said the rubber backing deteriorates in hot water and breaks apart during the spin cycle, and those fragments can block drain pumps and drainage pipes—sometimes leading to flooding and machine failure. —Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026

The Dania Beach project aims to update drainage systems in a flood-prone neighborhood. —Marybel Rodriguez, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Upgrades include work on facility driveways, sidewalks, drainage pipes, funding and more. —Sofi Zeman january 27, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026

Located at the base of a 100-foot water drainage pipe, the sprawling secret cavern also contained a home gym, armchair and television. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 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)