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

"They needed to fix the drainage and not just paint it blue to make it look bright."

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

This year, attendees can sign up for free massages, red light therapy sessions, lymphatic drainage boots, and—thanks in part to a partnership with LEGO—partake in a series of analog “adult play” installations.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

UN agencies say they are working on improvements in pest control, drainage and sanitation.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

I love a lymphatic drainage massage too, that’s like one of my favorite treats to myself.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The tipple area was locked at night, but just inside the tree line on the mountain, there was a deep drainage ditch that went underneath the fence.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• sewerage