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

Tulips bulbs left in the ground will rot unless they are planted in an area with good drainage. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025

Woman rescued from storm drain through manhole days after she was reported missing Even though the children and canines were safely removed, officials emphasized the dangers of being in a storm drainage system. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025

This could lead to minor flooding, especially in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025

These warnings are in part based on observations of river level rises, overflowing creeks, and urban drainage systems pushed beyond capacity. —Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

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)