downdraft

noun

down·​draft ˈdau̇n-ˌdraft How to pronounce downdraft (audio)
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.
But as soon as the three helicopters arrived at the fire, they were tossed around by the violent downdrafts — and equally jarring updrafts. Thomas Fuller, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025 China markets were not spared as Mainland China bared the brunt of the downdraft while Hong Kong held up slightly better. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 To be sure, the damage suffered during this latest downdraft has been contained. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024 Wall Street punished the stock, sending it 80% lower, as it was caught in the Nasdaq downdraft of early 2022 over inflationary fears and Fed tightening. Steven Ehrlich, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near downdraft

Cite this Entry

“Downdraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downdraft. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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

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