Draft vs. Wind — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
A draft is a current of cool air in a room or other confined space, or a preliminary version of a document. Wind is the natural movement of air in the atmosphere.
Difference Between Draft and Wind
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In our daily lives, both "Draft" and "Wind" impact us, yet they signify different phenomena. A draft, often felt in enclosed spaces, refers to a current of cool air that typically results from temperature differences, often between indoors and outdoors. It's common to feel a draft when a door or window is left open, allowing cooler outside air to enter a warmer space. In contrast, wind is experienced in vast open spaces and is the natural movement of air on a larger scale, governed by atmospheric conditions and the Earth's rotation.
The term "Draft" is also used in contexts other than airflow. For instance, one might draft a letter or a document, signifying a preliminary version that is subject to revision. Wind, however, is primarily associated with atmospheric phenomena and does not share this lexical versatility. Its implications mostly revolve around meteorology.
Additionally, when we think of drafts in terms of buildings and structures, we often associate it with a lack of insulation or gaps in windows and doors that allow air to flow in or out. This can be a concern in terms of energy efficiency. Wind, conversely, can be harnessed for energy using wind turbines, showing the potential of nature in sustainable power generation.
In summary, while both draft and wind deal with the movement of air, their scale, context, and implications can differ widely. Draft is often localized and can be an unintended consequence of building design, whereas wind is a broader atmospheric movement with natural causes and effects.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A current of cool air in confined spaces or a preliminary document.
Natural movement of air in the atmosphere.
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Context of Use
Often associated with rooms or buildings.
Typically associated with open spaces and meteorological contexts.
Scale
Localized to specific areas or spaces.
Broad, can cover large geographical areas.
Implications
Can indicate poor insulation or gaps in buildings.
Can be harnessed for energy or can indicate weather patterns.
Associated Phenomenon
Results from temperature differences, often between indoors and outdoors.
Governed by atmospheric conditions and Earth's rotation.
Compare with Definitions
Draft
A single act of drinking or inhaling.
He took a long draft from the bottle.
Wind
The natural movement of air of any velocity.
The wind rustled the leaves.
Draft
The depth of water a ship needs to float.
The ship has a draft of fifteen feet.
Wind
Breath or the power of breathing.
He was out of wind after the long run.
Draft
A current of air in an enclosed area.
Wind
A direction from which the wind may blow; a point of the compass.
The wind is coming from the north.
Draft
A device that regulates the flow or circulation of air.
Wind
Empty, meaningless talk.
His promises were just wind.
Draft
The act of pulling loads; traction.
Wind
A twist or turn in a course.
The road winds through the mountains.
Draft
Something that is pulled or drawn; a load.
Wind
Wind is the natural movement of air or other gases relative to a planet's surface. Wind occurs on a range of scales, from thunderstorm flows lasting tens of minutes, to local breezes generated by heating of land surfaces and lasting a few hours, to global winds resulting from the difference in absorption of solar energy between the climate zones on Earth.
Draft
A team of animals used to pull loads.
Wind
Moving air, especially a natural and perceptible movement of air parallel to or along the ground.
Draft
(Nautical)The depth of a vessel's keel below the water line, especially when loaded
A river vessel of shallow draft.
Wind
A movement of air generated artificially, as by bellows or a fan.
Draft
A heavy demand on resources.
Wind
The direction from which a movement of air comes
The wind is north-northwest.
Draft
A written order directing the payment of money from an account or fund.
Wind
A movement of air coming from one of the four cardinal points of the compass
The four winds.
Draft
A gulp, swallow, or inhalation.
Wind
Moving air carrying sound, an odor, or a scent.
Draft
The amount taken in by a single act of drinking or inhaling.
Wind
Breath, especially normal or adequate breathing; respiration
Had the wind knocked out of them.
Draft
A measured portion; a dose.
Wind
Gas produced in the stomach or intestines during digestion; flatulence.
Draft
The drawing of a liquid, as from a cask or keg.
Wind
The brass and woodwinds sections of a band or orchestra.
Draft
An amount drawn
Ordered two drafts of ale.
Wind
Wind instruments or their players considered as a group.
Draft
The process or method of selecting one or more individuals from a group, as for a service or duty
A candidate who did not pursue the nomination, but accepted a draft by the party convention.
Wind
Woodwinds.
Draft
Compulsory enrollment in the armed forces; conscription.
Wind
Something that disrupts or destroys
The winds of war.
Draft
A body of people selected or conscripted.
Wind
A tendency; a trend
The winds of change.
Draft
(Sports)A system in which the exclusive rights to new players are distributed among professional teams.
Wind
Information, especially of something concealed; intimation
Trouble will ensue if wind of this scandal gets out.
Draft
The act of drawing in a fishing net.
Wind
Speech or writing empty of meaning; verbiage
His remarks on the subject are nothing but wind.
Draft
The quantity of fish caught.
Wind
Vain self-importance; pomposity
An expert who was full of wind even before becoming famous.
Draft
Any of various stages in the development of a plan, document, or picture
A preliminary draft of a report.
The final draft of a paper.
Wind
The act of winding.
Draft
A representation of something to be constructed.
Wind
A single turn, twist, or curve.
Draft
A narrow line chiseled on a stone to guide a stonecutter in leveling its surface.
Wind
To expose to free movement of air; ventilate or dry.
Draft
A slight taper given a die to facilitate the removal of a casting.
Wind
To detect the smell of; catch a scent of.
Draft
An allowance made for loss in weight of merchandise.
Wind
To pursue by following a scent.
Draft
To select from a group for some usually compulsory service
Drafted into the army.
Wind
To cause to be out of or short of breath.
Draft
To select from a group for placement on a sports team.
Wind
To afford a recovery of breath
Stopped to wind and water the horses.
Draft
To draw up a preliminary version of or plan for.
Wind
To wrap (something) around a center or another object once or repeatedly
Wind string around a spool.
Draft
To create by thinking and writing; compose
Draft a speech.
Wind
To wrap or encircle (an object) in a series of coils; entwine
Wound her injured leg with a bandage.
Wound the waist of the gown with lace and ribbons.
Draft
To work as a drafter.
Wind
To go along (a curving or twisting course)
Wind a path through the mountains.
Draft
To move, ride, or drive close behind a fast-moving object so as to take advantage of the slipstream, especially in a race.
Wind
To proceed on (one's way) with a curving or twisting course.
Draft
Suited for or used for drawing heavy loads
Oxen and other draft animals.
Wind
To introduce in a disguised or devious manner; insinuate
He wound a plea for money into his letter.
Draft
Drawn from a cask or tap
Draft beer.
Wind
To turn (a crank, for example) in a series of circular motions.
Draft
(US spelling) A current of air, usually coming into a room or vehicle.
Wind
To coil the spring of (a mechanism) by turning a stem or cord, for example
Wind a watch.
Draft
(US spelling) The draw through a flue of gasses (smoke) resulting from a combustion process.
Wind
To coil (thread, for example), as onto a spool or into a ball.
Draft
(US spelling) An act of drinking.
Wind
To remove or unwind (thread, for example), as from a spool
Wound the line off the reel.
Draft
(US spelling) The quantity of liquid (such as water, alcohol, or medicine) drunk in one swallow.
To drink at a draft
She took a deep draft from the bottle of water.
Wind
To lift or haul by means of a windlass or winch
Wind the pail to the top of the well.
Draft
(US spelling) A dose (of medicine, alcohol, etc.).
Wind
To move in or have a curving or twisting course
A river winding through a valley.
Draft
(US spelling) Liquid, especially beer or other alcohol, drawn from a cask or keg rather than a bottle or can.
Wind
To move in or have a spiral or circular course
A column of smoke winding into the sky.
Draft
The depth of water needed to float a particular ship; the depth from the waterline to the bottom of a vessel's hull; the depth of water drawn by a vessel.
Wind
To be coiled or spiraled
The vine wound about the trellis.
Draft
An early version of a written work (such as a book or e-mail) or drawing.
I have to revise the first draft of my term paper.
His first drafts were better than most authors' final products.
Wind
To be twisted or whorled into curved forms.
Draft
A preliminary sketch or outline for a plan.
Wind
To proceed misleadingly or insidiously in discourse or conduct.
Draft
A cheque, an order for money to be paid.
Wind
To become wound
A clock that winds with difficulty.
Draft
Conscription, the system of forcing people to serve in the military.
He left the country to avoid the draft.
Wind
To blow (a wind instrument).
Draft
A system of forcing or convincing people to take an elected position.
Wind
To sound by blowing.
Draft
A system of assigning rookie players to professional sports teams.
Wind
Real or perceived movement of atmospheric air usually caused by convection or differences in air pressure.
The wind blew through her hair as she stood on the deck of the ship.
As they accelerated onto the motorway, the wind tore the plywood off the car's roof-rack.
The winds in Chicago are fierce.
Draft
The pulling force (tension) on couplers and draft gear during a slack stretched condition.
Wind
Air artificially put in motion by any force or action.
The wind of a cannon ball;
The wind of a bellows
Draft
The bevel given to the pattern for a casting, so that it can be drawn from the sand without damaging the mould.
Wind
The ability to breathe easily.
After the second lap he was already out of wind.
The fall knocked the wind out of him.
Draft
The action or an act (especially of a beast of burden or vehicle) of pulling something along or back.
Using oxen for draft
Shot forth an arrow with a mighty draft
Wind
News of an event, especially by hearsay or gossip. (Used with catch, often in the past tense.)
Steve caught wind of Martha's dalliance with his best friend.
Draft
The act of drawing in a net for fish.
Wind
One of the five basic elements in Indian and Japanese models of the Classical elements.
Draft
That which is drawn in; a catch, a haul.
He cast his net, which brought him a very great draft.
Wind
Flatus.
Eww. Someone just passed wind.
Draft
A quantity that is requisitioned or drawn out from a larger population.
Wind
Breath modulated by the respiratory and vocal organs, or by an instrument.
Draft
(transitive) To write a first version, make a preliminary sketch.
Wind
(music) The woodwind section of an orchestra. Occasionally also used to include the brass section.
Draft
To draw in outline; to make a draught, sketch, or plan of, as in architectural and mechanical drawing.
Wind
A direction from which the wind may blow; a point of the compass; especially, one of the cardinal points, which are often called the "four winds".
Draft
To write a law.
Wind
Types of playing-tile in the game of mah-jongg, named after the four winds.
Draft
To conscript a person, force a person to serve in some capacity, especially in the military.
He was drafted during the Vietnam War.
Wind
A disease of sheep, in which the intestines are distended with air, or rather affected with a violent inflammation. It occurs immediately after shearing.
Draft
To select someone (or something) for a particular role or purpose.
There was a campaign to draft Smith to run for President.
They drafted me to be the chairperson of the new committee.
Wind
Mere breath or talk; empty effort; idle words.
Draft
To select and separate an animal or animals from a group.
The calves were drafted from the cows.
Wind
A bird, the dotterel.
Draft
To select a rookie player onto a professional sports team.
After his last year of college football, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.
Wind
The region of the solar plexus, where a blow may paralyze the diaphragm and cause temporary loss of breath or other injury.
Draft
(ambitransitive) To follow very closely (behind another vehicle), thereby providing an aerodynamic advantage to both lead and follower and conserving energy or increasing speed.
Wind
The act of winding or turning; a turn; a bend; a twist.
Draft
To draw out; to call forth.
Wind
(transitive) To blow air through a wind instrument or horn to make a sound.
Draft
To draw fibers out of a clump, for spinning in the production of yarn.
Wind
(transitive) To cause (someone) to become breathless, as by a blow to the abdomen, or by physical exertion, running, etc.
The boxer was winded during round two.
Draft
(not comparable) Referring to drinks on tap, in contrast to bottled.
I'd rather have a fresh, cheap draft beer.
Wind
To cause a baby to bring up wind by patting its back after being fed.
Draft
Referring to animals used for pulling heavy loads.
A Clydesdale is a draft horse.
Wind
To turn a boat or ship around, so that the wind strikes it on the opposite side.
Draft
The act of drawing; also, the thing drawn. Same as Draught.
Everything available for draft burden.
Wind
(transitive) To expose to the wind; to winnow; to ventilate.
Draft
A selecting or detaching of soldiers from an army, or from any part of it, or from a military post; also from any district, or any company or collection of persons, or from the people at large; also, the body of men thus drafted.
Several of the States had supplied the deficiency by drafts to serve for the year.
Wind
(transitive) To perceive or follow by scent.
The hounds winded the game.
Draft
An order from one person or party to another, directing the payment of money; a bill of exchange.
I thought it most prudent to defer the drafts till advice was received of the progress of the loan.
Wind
(transitive) To rest (a horse, etc.) in order to allow the breath to be recovered; to breathe.
Draft
An allowance or deduction made from the gross weight of goods.
Wind
(transitive) To turn a windmill so that its sails face into the wind.
Draft
A drawing of lines for a plan; a plan delineated, or drawn in outline; a delineation. See Draught.
Wind
(transitive) To turn coils of (a cord or something similar) around something.
To wind thread on a spool or into a ball
Draft
The form of any writing as first drawn up; the first rough sketch of written composition, to be filled in, or completed. See Draught.
Wind
(transitive) To tighten the spring of a clockwork mechanism such as that of a clock.
Please wind that old-fashioned alarm clock.
Draft
A narrow border left on a finished stone, worked differently from the rest of its face.
Wind
(transitive) To entwist; to enfold; to encircle.
Draft
The slant given to the furrows in the dress of a millstone.
Wind
(intransitive) To travel in a way that is not straight.
Vines wind round a pole.
The river winds through the plain.
Draft
Depth of water necessary to float a ship. See Draught.
Wind
(transitive) To have complete control over; to turn and bend at one's pleasure; to vary or alter or will; to regulate; to govern.
Draft
A current of air. Same as Draught.
Wind
(transitive) To introduce by insinuation; to insinuate.
Draft
A quantity of liquid poured out for drinking; a dose.
Wind
(transitive) To cover or surround with something coiled about.
To wind a rope with twine
Draft
The act of drawing a quantity of liquid from a large container; also, the quantity of liquid so drawn.
Wind
(transitive) To cause to move by exerting a winding force; to haul or hoist, as by a winch.
Draft
A device for regulating the flow of gases in a chimney, stovepipe, fireplace, etc.; as, to close the chimney draft. It is usually a flat plate of the same internal dimensions as the flue, which can be rotated to be parallel to or perpendicular to the current of gases.
Wind
To turn (a ship) around, end for end.
Draft
Pertaining to, or used for, drawing or pulling (as vehicles, loads, etc.). Same as Draught; as, a draft horse.
Wind
To turn completely, or with repeated turns; especially, to turn about something fixed; to cause to form convolutions about anything; to coil; to twine; to twist; to wreathe; as, to wind thread on a spool or into a ball.
Whether to windThe woodbine round this arbor.
Draft
Relating to, or characterized by, a draft, or current of air. Same as Draught.
Wind
To entwist; to infold; to encircle.
Sleep, and I will wind thee in arms.
Draft
To draw the outline of; to delineate.
Wind
To have complete control over; to turn and bend at one's pleasure; to vary or alter or will; to regulate; to govern.
In his terms so he would him wind.
Gifts blind the wise, and bribes do pleaseAnd wind all other witnesses.
Were our legislature vested in the prince, he might wind and turn our constitution at his pleasure.
Draft
To compose and write; as, to draft a memorial.
Wind
To introduce by insinuation; to insinuate.
You have contrived . . . to windYourself into a power tyrannical.
Little arts and dexterities they have to wind in such things into discourse.
Draft
To draw from a military band or post, or from any district, company, or society; to detach; to select; especially, to compulsorily select and induct members of a population to serve in the armed forces.
HotLips Houlihan: How did a degenerate person like him achieve such a position of responsibility in the army?Radar: He was drafted.
Some royal seminary in Upper Egypt, from whence they drafted novices to supply their colleges and temples.
Wind
To cover or surround with something coiled about; as, to wind a rope with twine.
Draft
To transfer by draft.
All her rents been drafted to London.
Wind
To turn completely or repeatedly; to become coiled about anything; to assume a convolved or spiral form; as, vines wind round a pole.
So swift your judgments turn and wind.
Draft
A document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
Wind
To have a circular course or direction; to crook; to bend; to meander; as, to wind in and out among trees.
And where the valley winded out below,The murmuring main was heard, and scarcely heard, to flow.
He therefore turned him to the steep and rocky path which . . . winded through the thickets of wild boxwood and other low aromatic shrubs.
Draft
A current of air (usually coming into a room or vehicle)
Wind
To go to the one side or the other; to move this way and that; to double on one's course; as, a hare pursued turns and winds.
The lowing herd wind lowly o'er the lea.
To wind out, to extricate one's self; to escape.Long struggling underneath are they could windOut of such prison.
Draft
A preliminary sketch of a design or picture
Wind
To expose to the wind; to winnow; to ventilate.
Draft
A serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg;
They served beer on draft
Wind
To perceive or follow by the scent; to scent; to nose; as, the hounds winded the game.
Draft
Preliminary version of a written work
Wind
To drive hard, or force to violent exertion, as a horse, so as to render scant of wind; to put out of breath.
Draft
The depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
Wind
To blow; to sound by blowing; esp., to sound with prolonged and mutually involved notes.
Ye vigorous swains, while youth ferments your blood, . . . Wind the shrill horn.
That blast was winded by the king.
Draft
A regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace
Wind
The act of winding or turning; a turn; a bend; a twist; a winding.
Draft
A dose of liquid medicine;
He took a sleeping draft
Wind
Air naturally in motion with any degree of velocity; a current of air.
Except wind stands as never it stood,It is an ill wind that turns none to good.
Winds were soft, and woods were green.
Draft
Compulsory military service
Wind
Air artificially put in motion by any force or action; as, the wind of a cannon ball; the wind of a bellows.
Draft
A large and hurried swallow;
He finished it at a single gulp
Wind
Breath modulated by the respiratory and vocal organs, or by an instrument.
Their instruments were various in their kind,Some for the bow, and some for breathing wind.
Draft
The act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
Wind
Power of respiration; breath.
If my wind were but long enough to say my prayers, I would repent.
Draft
Draw up an outline or sketch for something;
Draft a speech
Wind
Air or gas generated in the stomach or bowels; flatulence; as, to be troubled with wind.
Draft
Engage somebody to enter the army
Wind
Air impregnated with an odor or scent.
A pack of dogfish had him in the wind.
Draft
Make a blueprint of
Wind
A direction from which the wind may blow; a point of the compass; especially, one of the cardinal points, which are often called the four winds.
Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain.
Draft
A current of cool air in a room or other confined space.
I felt a cold draft coming from the window.
Wind
A disease of sheep, in which the intestines are distended with air, or rather affected with a violent inflammation. It occurs immediately after shearing.
Draft
A preliminary version of a document or plan.
She wrote the first draft of her novel.
Wind
Mere breath or talk; empty effort; idle words.
Nor think thou with windOf airy threats to awe.
Draft
A demand for payment.
He received a draft notice for the bills.
Wind
The dotterel.
Wind
The region of the pit of the stomach, where a blow may paralyze the diaphragm and cause temporary loss of breath or other injury; the mark.
Wind
Air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure;
Trees bent under the fierce winds
When there is no wind, row
The radioactivity was being swept upwards by the air current and out into the atmosphere
Wind
A tendency or force that influences events;
The winds of change
Wind
Breath;
The collision knocked the wind out of him
Wind
Empty rhetoric or insincere or exaggerated talk;
That's a lot of wind
Don't give me any of that jazz
Wind
An indication of potential opportunity;
He got a tip on the stock market
A good lead for a job
Wind
A musical instrument in which the sound is produced by an enclosed column of air that is moved by the breath
Wind
A reflex that expels intestinal gas through the anus
Wind
The act of winding or twisting;
He put the key in the old clock and gave it a good wind
Wind
To move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course;
The river winds through the hills
The path meanders through the vineyards
Sometimes, the gout wanders through the entire body
Wind
Extend in curves and turns;
The road winds around the lake
Wind
Wrap or coil around;
Roll your hair around your finger
Twine the thread around the spool
Wind
Catch the scent of; get wind of;
The dog nosed out the drugs
Wind
Coil the spring of (some mechanical device) by turning a stem;
Wind your watch
Wind
Form into a wreath
Wind
Raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help;
Hoist the bicycle onto the roof of the car
Common Curiosities
Can a draft be beneficial?
Yes, a draft can provide ventilation and reduce indoor air pollution.
What's the purpose of a draft in writing?
A draft in writing serves as a preliminary version, allowing for revisions and improvements.
Is wind a renewable energy source?
Yes, wind is a renewable energy source and is harnessed using wind turbines.
What causes a draft in a room?
A draft in a room is often caused by temperature differences, usually from gaps in doors or windows.
How can you prevent drafts in a house?
Drafts can be minimized by sealing gaps, using draft stoppers, and insulating properly.
Why is the first draft in writing often revised?
The first draft is usually revised to improve clarity, coherence, and to correct errors.
How does wind play a role in weather?
Wind can transport moisture, heat, and cold, influencing local weather patterns.
How is wind speed measured?
Wind speed is typically measured using an anemometer.
What factors affect wind patterns?
Factors like temperature differences, Earth's rotation, and geographic formations affect wind patterns.
What is a bank draft?
A bank draft is a payment on behalf of a payer, guaranteed by the issuing bank.
How can wind be dangerous?
High-speed winds, like in hurricanes or tornadoes, can cause damage and pose safety risks.
Can you draft in digital formats?
Yes, you can draft documents digitally using various software tools.
Can wind be predicted?
Yes, meteorologists use various tools and models to predict wind patterns and speeds.
Is wind always visible?
Wind itself isn't visible, but its effects, like moving leaves or dust, can be observed.
Can drafts occur in vehicles?
Yes, drafts can occur in vehicles, often due to gaps in windows or doors.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
