updraft

noun

up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft How to pronounce updraft (audio)
-ˌdräft
: an upward movement of gas (such as air)

Examples of updraft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Hail falls when the thunderstorm's updraft can no longer support the weight of the hailstone, which can occur if the stone becomes large enough or the updraft weakens, NWS says. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 This spinning air can be tilted into the vertical and sucked upward by the supercell’s updraft, contracting the spin near the ground into a tornado. Yvette Richardson, Discover Magazine, 15 July 2024 Just like the updrafts, this feeds the fire with fresh, oxygenated air; unlike updrafts, downbursts cause gusts that billow out away from the center of the fire, leading it to spread rapidly in multiple directions at once. Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 These powerful updrafts allow hailstones to remain longer in sections of a storm that are favorable for hail formation, the research says. Evan Bush, NBC News, 2 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for updraft 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'updraft.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of updraft was circa 1887

Dictionary Entries Near updraft

Cite this Entry

“Updraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/updraft. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

updraft

noun
up·​draft ˈəp-ˌdraft How to pronounce updraft (audio)
-ˌdrȧft
: an upward movement of gas (as air)

More from Merriam-Webster on updraft

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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