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

The storms could first develop as supercells, which are powerful thunderstorms with rotating updrafts, before growing into a line. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Because the temperature difference between the two air masses fuels the updrafts that cause storms, this mixing tamps down storm activity. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026

This upward motion creates a powerful current of air known as an updraft. — Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

NBCUniversal is hoping Peacock will catch a huge updraft from a new bundling pact with Google’s YouTube. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 27 July 2026

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)