drainage basin

noun

1. the area drained by a river and all its tributaries.

drainage basin

noun

1. another name for catchment area

drainage basin

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of drainage basin¹

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

Its drainage basin, which is four times the size of Switzerland, is still covered by untouched primary lowland rainforest.

From Science Daily

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

Several homes were evacuated in the community of Orcutt as the drainage basin and roadway were damaged by the rain.

From Los Angeles Times

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