downwind

adverb or adjective

down·​wind ˈdau̇n-ˈwind How to pronounce downwind (audio)
Synonyms of downwindnext
: 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.
Some crews were assigned to establish structural defense on the opposite ridge near Cole Crest Drive, which was downwind from the fire, crews said. Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 Also through Wednesday, lake-effect snow will take hold downwind of the Great Lakes. Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026 Smoke plumes can travel thousands of miles downwind and trigger heart attacks and elevate lung cancer risks, among other harms. Vijay Limaye, The Conversation, 12 Feb. 2026 Over the weekend, gusts of 50 to 73 mph were recorded on the islands, with the strongest winds downwind of the higher terrain, through valleys, and in other local acceleration areas. ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downwind

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downwind was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downwind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downwind. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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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