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noun Common

drainage

DRAY-nuhj
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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."
"Good drainage keeps the garden from turning into a swamp in winter."

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
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Word forms

Plural
drainages
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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

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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.

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