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 information could also support drainage planning, insurance risk assessments, and weather forecasting models. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

These products are designed to dissolve common washer buildup without overwhelming pumps, seals, or drainage systems. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2026

This is largely for localized street and poor drainage (urban) flooding. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Google searches for lymphatic drainage have gone up by 60% across America year over year, while on TikTok there are over 79 million views on the term and growing. — Hannah Coates, Vogue, 3 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)