1. the act or process of drifting; the state of being adrift
Usage: nautical
2. material or objects that have drifted, especially debris carried by water or wind
Usage: nautical; general
3. a fee or charge paid for the use of driftwood or other drifted material
Usage: archaic; nautical

Examples

• The ship's driftage was caused by strong ocean currents.
• After the storm, the beach was covered with driftage from the shipwreck.
• Fishermen collected driftage to use as firewood.
• The captain compensated for driftage by adjusting the vessel's course.
• Coastal communities often benefit from driftage that washes ashore.
• The driftage of ice floes made navigation treacherous in the Arctic waters.