drainage basin

American  

noun

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

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drainage basin British  

noun

1. another name for catchment area

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of drainage basin

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

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

The vegetation in its drainage basin affects its carbon cycle, as does land use.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2023

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

Mobile is in the large drainage basin, of the Tombigbee, Black Warrior, Coosa and Alabama rivers, which is between the Escambia and Pearl rivers.

From Description of a New Softshell Turtle From the Southeastern United States by Webb, Robert G.