adv
downwind
down-WIHND
Downwind (adv) means In the direction the wind is blowing toward. Example: “Stand downwind of the campfire so the smoke blows away from you.”
adv
1
In the direction the wind is blowing toward.
"The six birds on their downwind leg have already started to get their "gear down," meaning they have partially rotated their legs forward in a position that will be vertical by the moment of touch down."
— Peter Cavanagh, 9. Cranes (2021)
"Stand downwind of the campfire so the smoke blows away from you."
"The dogs caught the scent from downwind."
How to use downwind
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn the direction that the wind is carrying things — the opposite of upwind.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
downwind of
stay downwind
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Word forms
- Comparative
- further downwind, farther downwind, more downwind
- Superlative
- farthest downwind, furthest downwind, most downwind
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Stand _____ of the campfire so the smoke blows away from you.
Etymology
From down- + wind.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “downwind” mean?
The word “downwind” means in the direction the wind is blowing toward. In plain terms, in the direction that the wind is carrying things — the opposite of upwind.
How do you pronounce “downwind”?
“Downwind” is pronounced down-WIHND (/ˌdaʊnˈwɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “downwind” in a sentence?
Here is “downwind” used in a sentence: “Stand downwind of the campfire so the smoke blows away from you.”
What is another word for “downwind”?
Words with a similar meaning to “downwind” include leeward.
What is the opposite of “downwind”?
The opposite of “downwind” — its antonyms — are upwind and windward.
What part of speech is “downwind”?
“Downwind” is an adverb.
