'drainpipe' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'dreyn' and 'pipe', where 'dreyn' meant 'to draw off liquid' and 'pipe' referred to a tube for conveying water.

'dreyn' and 'pipe' combined in Middle English to form 'drainpipe', which has remained largely unchanged in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'a pipe for draining liquid', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.