SKIP TO CONTENT

drainage basin

/ˌdreɪnɪdʒ ˌbeɪsn/
IPA guide

Other forms: drainage basins

Definitions of drainage basin
  1. noun
    the entire geographical area drained by a river and its tributaries; an area characterized by all runoff being conveyed to the same outlet
    see moresee less
    types:
    detention basin
    a storage site (such as a small reservoir) that delays the flow of water downstream
    retention basin
    a storage site similar to a detention basin but the water in storage is permanently obstructed from flowing downstream
    type of:
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘drainage basin'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family