updraft

American  

[uhp-draft, -drahft] / ˈʌpˌdræft, -ˌdrɑft /

noun

1. the movement upward of air or other gas.

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updraft Scientific  

/ ŭp′drăft′ /

1. An upward current of warm, moist air. With enough moisture, the current may visibly condense into a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud.

2. Compare downdraft

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Etymology

Origin of updraft

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; up-, draft

Example Sentences

Traders will recall that Oracle’s earnings report last September created a massive updraft of more than 100 points in the stock — which it quickly gave back and then some.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

They're caused by a sudden updraft in humid, moist air, which leads to a heavy and localised burst of rain.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

Dust devils stem from a difference in heating that causes an updraft in one area and a downdraft in another, said Jeff Masters, founder of Weather Underground and now with Yale Climate Connections.

From Seattle Times • May 1, 2024

That months-long updraft in yields saw a sharp reversal last week after the U.S.

From Reuters • Nov. 8, 2023

The plane swooped down off the porch, then suddenly caught an updraft and climbed higher than their heads, looped and glided smoothly to the grass.

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson