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

Her everyday setting is the Derma Shot, while the MC Mode is a go-to for lymphatic drainage before a big event. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026

Some flooding is possible in areas of poor drainage. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Much of the land targeted for solar development is already difficult or impossible to farm because of drainage problems and soil salinity. —Jeff St. John, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

Lavender roots are very prone to overwatering, so proper drainage is essential to the plant’s longevity. —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 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)