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.
Smoke plumes can travel thousands of miles downwind and trigger heart attacks and elevate lung cancer risks, among other harms. Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026 Over the weekend, gusts of 50 to 73 mph were recorded on the islands, with the strongest winds downwind of the higher terrain, through valleys, and in other local acceleration areas. ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026 One downwind at 395 mph (635 km/h) and one upwind at 429 mph (690 km/h), averaging 411 mph (661 km/h) after accounting for the mandatory 328-ft (100-m) measurement zone. New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2026 Made less dense, the air then rises, cools and condenses into clouds, which produce heavy snow in narrow bands downwind. Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 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 28 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

downwind

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

More from Merriam-Webster on downwind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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