downwind

adverb or adjective

down·​wind ˈdau̇n-ˈwind How to pronounce downwind (audio)
: 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.
What could be the subject of a book itself ended up as a side-plot in my novel, set in San Luis Obispo (downwind of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant), and ready to derail Josie’s ant dissertation and academic career. Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025 While most of the smoke remains aloft, occasional ground-level impacts are being reported, especially in communities downwind such as Kitsap and Island Counties. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025 For example, a large study of people with elevated but not clinically high blood pressure indicated that those who lived downwind of air pollution were more likely to develop high blood pressure and, ultimately, heart disease. John C. Quindry, The Conversation, 10 July 2025 As part of this protocol, all of ALMA's large antennae have been reoriented downwind, helping to minimize potential damage from snow buildup or strong gusts. María De Los Ángeles Orfila, Space.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for downwind

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downwind was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Downwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downwind. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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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