drainage

noun

drain·​age ˈdrā-nij How to pronounce drainage (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In addition to preventing soil compaction, raised beds can help with drainage, prevent weeds and serve as a barrier to pests. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025 Flooding may also occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 In Toronto, where the concept is being proposed, 90% of the school parking lots are in need of repair due to more than 40-year-old asphalt that is cracking, and that has poor drainage. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The Newton County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Tuesday that Cassell was found by Johnny Martinez, a passerby who was operating drainage equipment in the area. Karina Tsui, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for drainage

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drainage was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drainage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drainage. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

drainage

noun
drain·​age ˈdrā-nij How to pronounce drainage (audio)
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 How to pronounce drainage (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on drainage

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