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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of downwind

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

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.

Downwind, they found it had produced a minor trail of weak radioactivity that led to the city’s edge and a dense bamboo forest.

From New York Times • Aug. 9, 2021

Downwind is fun, but playing the opposite way is better.

From Golf Digest • Oct. 16, 2013

Downwind of the Chanute plant, some people aren’t easily reassured.

From Slate • Nov. 10, 2011

The youth center’s director, Frank Downwind, spread out a half-dozen completed signs to offer the kids inspiration.

From Washington Post

Downwind from the plant, 35,000 people live in Sasolburg, a city of green lawns and broad highways.

From Time Magazine Archive

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