downwind

adverb or adjective

down·​wind ˈdau̇n-ˈwind How to pronounce downwind (audio)
Synonyms of downwindnext
: in the direction that the wind is blowing

Examples of downwind in a Sentence

we were downwind of the deer, so it couldn't smell us
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.
Based on local weather patterns, several communities downwind of the Palisades fire may have been exposed to high levels of hexavalent chromium, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Culver City. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 Experts recommend planting red raspberries downwind of the black ones since black raspberries are more vulnerable to disease. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2026 The pollution generated by cars and industry sits overpopulated areas instead of blowing downwind and mixing out. David Yeomans, CBS News, 26 May 2026 And Salt Lake City was downwind from Cold War Era nuclear weapons test sites. Kirk Siegler, NPR, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for downwind

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downwind was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downwind. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

downwind

adverb or adjective
down·​wind ˈdau̇n-ˈwind How to pronounce downwind (audio)
: in the direction that the wind is blowing

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