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.
During that second procedure, the providers performed an incision and drainage on the infection. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Use it for just a few minutes a day to stimulate collagen; the product also works to push in topical products and assist with lymphatic drainage. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Sacramento's storm drainage system includes more than 1,000 miles of storm drain pipes, 107 pumping stations and 23 miles of levees, with some of the components more than 100 years old. — Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Seal gaps, repair shingles, and maintain drainage to limit water damage around the home. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 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 Nov. 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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