updraft

noun

up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft 

-ˌdräft

: an upward movement of gas (such as air)

Examples of updraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most tornadoes are created by a supercell—a strong thunderstorm with a rotating updraft of air. —Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2025

However, strong wind shear can tilt the storm system, so that the downdraft occurs at a different location, and the updraft of warm moist air can continue, supplying the storm with moisture and energy. —Shuang-Ye Wu, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2025

Violent updrafts and mushy hail Juno and Hubble images from 2017 showed a powerful updraft near the heart of the storm, pumping ammonia from deep within Jupiter's atmosphere and rushing it upward to the peaks of the towering storm clouds. —Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Supercells are dangerous storms characterized by rotating updrafts that resemble tall storm clouds with anvils or elongated clouds at their tops. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for updraft

• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft
• schoolcraft
• spacecraft
• stagecraft
• statecraft

Kids Definition

updraft

noun

up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft 

-ˌdrȧft

: an upward movement of gas (as air)