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downdraft

American  
[doun-draft, -drahft] / ˈdaʊnˌdræft, -ˌdrɑft /

noun

  1. a downward current, as of air.

    a downdraft in a mine shaft.

  2. a downward movement, as of the stock market.


downdraft Scientific  
/ doundrăft′ /
  1. A downward moving current of air in a cumulonimbus cloud.

  2. Compare updraft


Etymology

Origin of downdraft

First recorded in 1780–90; down 1 + draft

Vocabulary lists containing downdraft

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.

Apparently, two things bucking the current beer downdraft are nonalcoholic brews and turbocharged fruit punch.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

PyroCb possible later this PM, with lightning/outflow & downdraft winds as hazards.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2024

It developed from a supercell storm - a rotating storm where the updraft and the downdraft are separated.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2023

The market’s 20-plus percent decline this year doesn’t mean the bottom is in, but it reduces the potential for an enormous downdraft.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2022

The downdraft arrived, that eerie second before a big storm hits, just before the wind swoops through and brings in the hard rain.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles