downwind

[ doun-wind ]

adverb

1. in the direction toward which the wind is blowing:

   We coasted downwind.

2. on or toward the lee side:

   The lion was running downwind of us and caught our scent.

adjective

1. moving downwind:

   a downwind current.

2. situated on or toward the lee side:

   The downwind halyard blew outboard.

downwind

/ ˈdaʊnˈwɪnd /

adverb

1. in the same direction towards which the wind is blowing; with the wind from behind
2. towards or on the side away from the wind; leeward

Word History and Origins

Origin of downwind¹

First recorded in 1850–55; down ¹ + wind ¹

Example Sentences

The Santa Anas blew hard that morning, and my mother-in-law’s land sat perilously downwind, maybe half a mile from where the fire started.

From Los Angeles Times

Turley noted that the farm was downwind of another with an outbreak, “so you almost think it has to have an airborne factor.”

From Salon

Also, remember to check the environment for potential toxins — is the spot downwind from a farm or garden that might be using herbicide?

From Seattle Times

“He hits it 350 yards in the air downwind and he has shorter clubs into firm greens than anyone else. When he’s on, he’s on. Hats off to him for winning. He played unbelievably well.”

From Seattle Times

"Our modeling reveals a cooling effect broadly across the northern hemisphere and worsened air quality in extensive downwind regions," says Associate Professor Teppei Yasunari of the Hokkaido team.

From Science Daily