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

“There’s some residual. We could smell it downwind a little ways.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

In fiscal 2023, only 12% of Micron’s sales were downwind of AI data-center spending.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 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

Some brightness is possible downwind of high ground.

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

"Be sure you walk downwind of me from here on."

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood