drainage

American  

[drey-nij] / ˈdreɪ nɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or process of draining.

2. a system of drains, artificial or natural.

3. drainage basin.

4. something that is drained off.

5. Surgery. the drainage of fluids, as bile, urine, etc., from the body, or of pus and other diseased products from a wound.

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drainage British  

/ ˈdreɪnɪdʒ /

noun

1. the process or a method of draining

2. a system of watercourses or drains

3. liquid, sewage, etc, that is drained away

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Other Word Forms

• overdrainage noun

Etymology

Origin of drainage

First recorded in 1645–55; drain + -age

Example Sentences

Known for its tech-forward treatments in blood circulation, tissue health and cellular vitality, the studio offers therapies for toning skin, relieving muscle soreness and lymphatic drainage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Their experiments revealed a consistent pattern: the height at which drainage begins is inversely related to the liquid content of the foam, regardless of the type of surfactant or the size of the bubbles.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

Critics have called for the resignation of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who had vowed to improve the capital's drainage and road infrastructure when he took office in 2022.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

They further claim that at the time of Ramos’ embalming, Risher lacked a suitable space to store human remains and lacked a preparation room equipped with necessary drainage, ventilation and supplies for proper embalming.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

“One time she ran away from home. I can’t even remember what she was upset about. We looked for her long past dark. Found her curled up in a drainage ditch, sound asleep.”

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

Related Words

• sewerage