downdraft

noun

down·​draft ˈdau̇n-ˌdraft 

1

: a downward current of gas (such as air during a thunderstorm)

2

: decline sense 1

an economic downdraft

Examples of downdraft in a Sentence

a strong downdraft from the thunderstorm

Recent Examples on the Web

Rising air pulls powerful winds toward the fire, while downdrafts punch gusts back to the surface. — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Selling a lower-strike put against it harvests cuts the cost meaningfully while still providing meaningful insurance in a severe downdraft. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 24 June 2026

Make sure that the blades are spinning counterclockwise for a downdraft and don’t forget to shut it off when leaving the room. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 June 2026

There was also straight-line wind damage along the rear flank downdraft surge. — Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for downdraft

• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft
• schoolcraft
• spacecraft
• stagecraft
• statecraft
• updraft

Kids Definition

downdraft

noun

down·​draft -ˌdraft 

-ˌdrȧft

: a downward current of gas (as air in a chimney or during a thunderstorm)