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

For instance, Potrero Elementary has drainage issues, roof problems and major water intrusion under the building, and many of its trailers are well beyond their lifespan. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

The National Park Service issued a warning about the presence of hazardous quicksand areas near the shoreline and at drainages in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which spans across both Arizona and Utah. —Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026

The result is poor drainage, which is lethal for most plants. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 10 Mar. 2026

Another reason for yellowing leaves could be poor drainage. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 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)