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

Julie Andrews was repeatedly toppled by helicopter downdrafts while filming the opening scene, the rowboat sequence nearly ended in disaster when the boat capsized and Gretl (Kym Karath) almost drowned. —Cathy Whitlock, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2025

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

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)