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

Even in warm weather, thunderstorms generate powerful updrafts, or columns of rising air that cool rapidly. — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Concentrations were generally highest immediately beside the stove and near the updraft of the smoke-clearing ventilation hoods, where cooks and chefs are typically working. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

An updraft of air caused by storm activity, clouds and low visibility led the plane’s autopilot mode to disconnect. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

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

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)