English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

drainage

DRAY-nuhj

Drainage (noun) means the process or system of removing excess water or liquid from an area. Example: “Poor drainage caused the field to flood after every storm.”

noun
1
The process or system of removing excess water or liquid from an area.
"Poor drainage caused the field to flood after every storm."
"The city upgraded the drainage system in the old town."

How to Use Drainage

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow water is carried away from an area, or the system that does it.

Common pairings
drainage system poor drainage drainage ditch

Word Forms

drainages plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “drainage” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Poor _____ caused the field to flood after every storm.

Etymology

From drain + -age.

Related Words

Rhymes for drainage

See all rhymes for drainage →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “drainage” mean?

The word “drainage” means the process or system of removing excess water or liquid from an area. In plain terms, how water is carried away from an area, or the system that does it.

How do you pronounce “drainage”?

“Drainage” is pronounced DRAY-nuhj (/ˈdɹeɪnəd͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “drainage” in a sentence?

Here is “drainage” used in a sentence: “Poor drainage caused the field to flood after every storm.”

What part of speech is “drainage”?

“Drainage” is a noun.

Is “drainage” a common word?

“Drainage” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between drainage and plumbing?

Drainage refers specifically to the process or system of removing excess water or liquid from an area, such as rainwater or wastewater. Plumbing is a broader term covering all pipes and fixtures that carry water, both incoming supply and outgoing waste.

What is a common collocation with drainage?

"Drainage system" and "poor drainage" are common collocations, referring respectively to the infrastructure that removes water and to land or fixtures that fail to remove water effectively.

Why is good drainage important for land or buildings?

Good drainage prevents excess water from pooling, which can otherwise cause flooding, soil erosion, or structural damage over time. Drainage systems channel water away to reduce these risks.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial