drainage

noun

drain·​age ˈdrā-nij How to pronounce drainage (audio)
1
: the act, process, or mode of draining
also : something drained off
2
: a device for draining : drain
also : a system of drains
3
: an area or district drained

Examples of drainage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Apply a thin layer of compost and topsoil during active growing seasons to boost nutrients and improve drainage. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026 Lakshmi also has regular massages to ease bloating, and has recently started getting Icoone treatments, a non-invasive technology used for reshaping, skin tightening, and lymphatic drainage. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026 This work will add bicycle lanes and paths, improve drainage, upgrade traffic signals, sidewalk curbs and signs and resurface existing roadway. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Heavy rainfall rates may also lead to flash flooding, particularly in urban and poor drainage areas. — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drainage

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drainage was in 1652

Browse Nearby Words

drain
drainage
drainage basin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drainage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drainage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drainage

noun
drain·​age ˈdrā-nij How to pronounce drainage (audio)
1
a
: the act of draining
b
: something drained off
2
: a method of draining
also : a system of drains

Medical Definition

drainage

noun
drain·​age ˈdrā-nij How to pronounce drainage (audio)
1
: the act or process of drawing off fluids from a cavity or wound by means of suction or gravity
2
: a process of releasing internal conflicts or pent-up feelings (as hostility or guilt)

More from Merriam-Webster on drainage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about drainage

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