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 pair had to cross enemy lines through the city's sewage tunnels, emerging from drainage grates in the dead of night to meet so Masri could give the singer his newest lyrics. —Jawad Rizkallah, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025

The demand for better drainage solutions has been growing, with global warming causing unpredicted heavy rainfall. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025

The city is also envisioning a water feature that could span across 12 city blocks, such as a canal really intended as drainage. —Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025

Responsible for authorizing and monitoring the work of professional services consultants and contractors engaged in the design and construction of a variety of roadway infrastructure, drainage and other public right-of-way capital construction projects. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 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)