downwind

American  

[doun-wind] / ˈdaʊnˈwɪnd /

adverb

1. in the direction toward which the wind is blowing.

   We coasted downwind.

2. on or toward the lee side.

   The lion was running downwind of us and caught our scent.

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adjective

1. moving downwind.

   a downwind current.

2. situated on or toward the lee side.

   The downwind halyard blew outboard.

downwind British  

/ ˈdaʊnˈwɪnd /

adverb

1. in the same direction towards which the wind is blowing; with the wind from behind

2. towards or on the side away from the wind; leeward

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Etymology

Origin of downwind

First recorded in 1850–55; down ¹ + wind ¹

Example Sentences

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

Lake effect snow downwind of Lakes Superior, Erie, and Ontario could reduce visibility on roadways on Thanksgiving, with more than a foot of snow expected in some areas by Friday.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

Some brightness is possible downwind of high ground.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

"You can't ignore the fact that there are people with respiratory illness all around Rainham downwind of these fires."

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

A new pigsty was building far from the house and downwind, with chicken and duck runs near and a kennel for the dogs to keep the coyotes away.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck