drainage basin

American  

noun

1. the area drained by a river and all its tributaries.

---

drainage basin British  

noun

1. another name for catchment area

---

drainage basin Scientific  

/ drā′nĭj /

1. An area drained by a river system. A drainage basin includes all areas that gather precipitation water and direct it to a particular stream, stream system, lake, or other body of standing water.

---

Etymology

Origin of drainage basin

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

drainage basin

On Earth, that size marks the lower limit of what scientists define as a large drainage basin.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 31, 2025

While many hazards have been fixed, there are still cracked or overgrown pathways, a flooded drainage basin, and metal pipes or electrical wires protruding into the recently completed children’s play area.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2024

Negotiators have an opportunity to hammer out an agreement reflecting today’s values and priorities, equipping the drainage basin — which is the size of France — to meet diverse challenges.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 9, 2023

Several homes were evacuated in the community of Orcutt as the drainage basin and roadway were damaged by the rain.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 10, 2023

The evidences of many such village sites may be seen throughout all the region of the Missouri River drainage basin.

From A Book Written by the Spirits of the So-Called Dead by Helleberg, C. G. (Carl Gustaf)