downdraft

noun

down·​draft ˈdau̇n-ˌdraft How to pronounce downdraft (audio)
Synonyms of downdraftnext
1
: a downward current of gas (such as air during a thunderstorm)
2
: decline sense 1
an economic downdraft

Examples of downdraft in a Sentence

a strong downdraft from the thunderstorm
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There was also straight-line wind damage along the rear flank downdraft surge. — Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 As the thunderstorm nears its end, the downdraft is stronger than the updraft, which had been the storm’s source of warm, moist air. — Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026 Make sure that the blades are spinning counterclockwise for a downdraft and don’t forget to shut it off when leaving the room. — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 June 2026 Until the end of March, Mag 7 companies’ performance had been caught in the downdraft that hit the broader market as the war with Iran took hold. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downdraft

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of downdraft was in 1817

Rhymes for downdraft

See All Rhymes for downdraft

Browse Nearby Words

downdale
downdraft
down east
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downdraft. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downdraft

noun
down·​draft -ˌdraft How to pronounce downdraft (audio)
-ˌdrȧft
: a downward current of gas (as air in a chimney or during a thunderstorm)

More from Merriam-Webster on downdraft

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for downdraft

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about downdraft

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