What does updraft mean?
An updraft is a current of air that moves upward. It commonly forms when the ground is heated unevenly, causing warmer air to rise, although converging winds and other atmospheric conditions can also produce it. Pilots of gliders and sailplanes use updrafts to gain height without expending forward motion, and the term can also describe rising pockets of air encountered by aircraft, birds, or dust. In figurative use, an updraft is a rapid increase in activity, prices, support, or enthusiasm, suggesting momentum and growth. The word combines "up" with "draft," a term for a current of air. Though most familiar from weather and aviation, it is also useful in journalism and commentary when describing a sudden rise in public interest, business performance, or political momentum.
nounAn updraft is a current or column of air moving upward, especially one produced by the heating of the ground or by converging winds. The term is also used figuratively for a rise or surge in activity, prices, support, or other conditions.
- A current or column of air moving upward, especially one associated with convection or uneven heating of the ground.
- A figurative increase or surge in activity, prices, support, or other conditions.
"The glider caught a strong updraft and climbed steadily above the valley."
"Warm pavement generated an updraft that lifted dust and dry leaves into the air."
"The company experienced an updraft of interest after its new product was announced."
The standard plural adds -s; the British spelling plural is "updraughts."
"Strong updrafts formed along the ridge during the afternoon."
A glider does not climb by magic: it borrows height from an updraft.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does updraft come from?
"Updraft" is an English compound formed from "up" and "draft." The word "up" is native to English and comes from Old English, while "draft," also spelled "draught" in British English, developed from an Old English word associated with pulling or dragging. The two elements combine to name a draft of air directed upward. Related words such as "draw" and "drag" descend from the same ancient Germanic root, although their modern meanings have largely diverged.
How updraft is actually used
The term is most common in meteorology and aviation. British English also commonly uses the spelling "updraught." The figurative sense is established but less frequent than the meteorological one and often has a positive or energizing implication.
Easily confused with updraft
An updraft is a current of air moving upward, whereas a downdraft is a current of air moving downward.
A draft is generally a horizontal or local flow of air, while an updraft is specifically an upward-moving current.