downwind
Americanadverb
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in the direction toward which the wind is blowing.
We coasted downwind.
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on or toward the lee side.
The lion was running downwind of us and caught our scent.
adjective
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moving downwind.
a downwind current.
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situated on or toward the lee side.
The downwind halyard blew outboard.
adverb
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in the same direction towards which the wind is blowing; with the wind from behind
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towards or on the side away from the wind; leeward
Etymology
Origin of downwind
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its momentum initially drives ash outwards in every direction – spreading hundreds of kilometers before high-altitude winds take over and carry fine ash thousands of kilometers downwind within a day.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026
The highlight of his round was an eagle-three on the downwind par-five 11th.
From BBC ● Mar. 14, 2026
JP: You’re referring to the health complications people suffer from in areas downwind of the flight paths.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2026
Some critics say cloud seeding can rob downwind areas of rain, but Doricko and others say this doesn’t happen because the practice taps water that would otherwise remain in clouds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
You have to sit downwind of B. J. He’s got baloney and mustard again.
From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
