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

Pilots navigating the island also face heavy turbulence, low-lying sea fog, sudden microclimates and strong updrafts and downdrafts that can push a small aircraft off course. — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

Stronger downdraft winds and loose, dry soil can impact how much dust is lifted into the air. — Brandi D. Addison, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Ozone also moves from higher altitudes to surface level prior to a storm because of downdrafts from the wind. — Lance Schulteis, jsonline.com, 24 Aug. 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

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)