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
This direction will create a downdraft with maximum air movement.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
After the tornado dissipated just west of Maryland Route 5, radar indicated that the system evolved into a rear flank downdraft, producing straight-line wind damage in areas east of the highway.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
More than a week after a fast-moving storm tore through Austin, meteorologists have confirmed that a microburst — a rare and intense downdraft — was behind much of the destruction, with winds reaching up to 85 mph in parts of the city.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
That has implications for Lake Tahoe, where an afternoon downdraft hitting warm lake air could generate sudden wind spikes and dangerous waves similar to those seen on June 21.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
After the tornado dissipated just west of Maryland Route 5, radar indicated that the system evolved into a rear flank downdraft, producing straight-line wind damage in areas east of the highway.
—Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
More than a week after a fast-moving storm tore through Austin, meteorologists have confirmed that a microburst — a rare and intense downdraft — was behind much of the destruction, with winds reaching up to 85 mph in parts of the city.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
That has implications for Lake Tahoe, where an afternoon downdraft hitting warm lake air could generate sudden wind spikes and dangerous waves similar to those seen on June 21.
—Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 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 22 Aug. 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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