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
When downdrafts cause damage on the ground as in Carmichael on Tuesday, they are known as downbursts, say forecasters.
—
Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Haboobs form when cold downdrafts from thunderstorms slam into the hot desert floor, spreading out in all directions.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Hang Seng Index fell 202 index points due to Meituan’s decline, which contributed -127 index points, and Alibaba's downdraft, which contributed -94 index points.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The downdrafts can push fire in multiple directions.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downdraft
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Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Haboobs form when cold downdrafts from thunderstorms slam into the hot desert floor, spreading out in all directions.
—Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The Hang Seng Index fell 202 index points due to Meituan’s decline, which contributed -127 index points, and Alibaba's downdraft, which contributed -94 index points.
—Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The downdrafts can push fire in multiple directions.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downdraft
Cite this Entry
“Downdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downdraft. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downdraft
noun
down·draft
-ˌdraft
-ˌdrȧft
: a downward current of gas (as air in a chimney or during a thunderstorm)
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