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

"CO2 emissions are relatively high across the Ruki's entire drainage basin but not dissimilar to other tropical rivers," Drake explains.

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

A man, identified by the coroner as Anthony Ray Lopez Sr., 63, of Ontario, was found in the drainage basin and pronounced dead at the scene about 12:04 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2022

In the drainage basin of the Ganges, through which the train is again carrying us south-eastwards, 100 million human beings, mostly Hindus, have their home.

From From Pole to Pole A Book for Young People by Hedin, Sven Anders