updraft

noun

up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft How to pronounce updraft (audio)
-ˌdräft
: an upward movement of gas (such as air)

Examples of updraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One flight on Monday morning was cut short to inspect the aircraft for possible structural damage after hitting violent updrafts and downdrafts. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Wind shear makes a storm's updraft start rotating. Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025 It’s constructed with stainless steel, fueled by either pellets or wood, and designed with a dual 360-degree updraft technology that reduces smoke output. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025 That may not seem like a lot of performance for not much power, but the HB-SXA is essentially a powered glider designed to take advantage of thermals and other updrafts to gain and maintain altitude. New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for updraft

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of updraft was circa 1887

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Updraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/updraft. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

updraft

noun
up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft How to pronounce updraft (audio)
-ˌdrȧft
: an upward movement of gas (as air)

More from Merriam-Webster on updraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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