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

As a result, many home gardeners have soil that is depleted in organic matter, which is the source of many essential nutrients and contributes to soil structure and drainage. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025

On the south flank, resources will hold the fire north of the Kings River to prevent spread into additional drainages and communities. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Improve Irrigation Habits and Lawn Drainage Evaluate your irrigation habits and the drainage conditions of your lawn. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

Katie gets to work with lymphatic drainage techniques across the face, neck, décolletage and scalp, as well as a gentle abdominal massage. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 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)