catchment area

American  

noun

1. an area served by a hospital, social service agency, etc.

2. drainage basin.

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catchment area British  

noun

1. Also called: catchment basin.   drainage area.   drainage basin.  the area of land bounded by watersheds draining into a river, basin, or reservoir

2. the area from which people are allocated to a particular school, hospital, etc

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catchment area Scientific  

/ kăch′mənt,kĕch′- /

1. The area drained by a river or body of water.

2. The area that absorbs water that contributes to a specific region's groundwater supply.

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Example Sentences

London and its catchment area have enjoyed bigger gains than elsewhere.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

Italy represents Lufthansa’s largest catchment area outside the U.S. and its other home markets, making Italy a key hub for connecting passengers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Forestry England project lead, Hayley Dauben, said the animals would bring "lots of good benefits" to the Ehen and Calder catchment area.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

As the only top-flight club for more than 100 miles, Newcastle have a huge catchment area for support and players.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

Farmer decided that all TB patients in the catchment area should receive the full package of services, including the equivalent of five American dollars per month.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French