noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

draught

drahft

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Draught (noun) means a current of cool air moving through a room, usually coming in through a gap around a door, window or chimney. Example: “There is a terrible draught coming under the front door.”

noun

A current of cool air moving through a room, usually coming in through a gap around a door, window or chimney.

"There is a terrible draught coming under the front door."

"Move your chair away from the window if you are in a draught."

literary An amount of liquid swallowed in one go; a long drink.

"He emptied the tankard in a single draught."

adjective

Of beer or cider: served from a cask or keg through a tap rather than from a bottle or can.

"A pint of draught bitter, please."

"They have four draught ales on at the moment."

How to use draught

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is a cold current of air, or beer poured from the tap.

When to use it

Draught is the British spelling. American English writes draft for all these senses, and also uses draft for conscription and for a first version of a document, which British English spells draft too.

Memory tip

In British English, keep draught for air and beer, and draft for a rough version of a text or for military conscription.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

draught → draft →

Common pairings

draught excluder in a draught draught beer on draught

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “draught” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

There is a terrible _____ coming under the front door.

Etymology

From Old English dragan, to draw or pull, so literally a drawing or pulling; the same word as American draft.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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breeze current of air gulp swig swallow tipple drawing potation draft

Related words

air test design picture eat write drink wind

Rhymes for draught

aught caught naught fraught onslaught distraught

See all rhymes for draught →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between draught and draft?

They are the same word with two spellings. British English uses draught for a current of air, for beer from a tap and for a ship's depth in water, and reserves draft for a preliminary version or military conscription; American English spells all of them draft.

How do you pronounce draught?

It rhymes with laughed: "drahft" in British English and "draft" in American English. The gh is silent, so it never sounds like drought.

What does draught beer mean?

It is beer served straight from a cask or keg through a tap rather than poured from a bottle or can. It is typically fresher and less carbonated than packaged beer, which is why pubs advertise what they have on draught.

What is the meaning of draught?

"draught" (noun) means a current of cool air moving through a room, usually coming in through a gap around a door, window or chimney.

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