Draft
/dræft/
Definitions
6 meaningsA preliminary version of a document or piece of writing.
/dræft/
A preliminary version of a written work.
She's working on the final draft of her speech.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're writing a story, but it's not perfect yet. A draft is like the first try, where you get all the ideas down. For example, "Let's read a draft of your essay to see how it's coming."
👶 For kids: A draft is like a first copy of a paper or story that you can change.
More Examples
The editor sent back the draft with several suggestions.
I need to revise the draft before submitting it.
How It's Used
"The author submitted the first draft of her novel to her editor."
"Please review this draft of the contract."
The selection of individuals for a particular purpose, often compulsory.
/dræft/
A selection of individuals for a specific purpose.
The football team is preparing for the player draft.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, like in sports or the military, they pick people to be on a team or in the army. It's like calling up the best players. For example, "The team will have to wait until the end of the year to draft new players."
👶 For kids: A draft is when people are picked to do something, like playing on a team.
More Examples
The government implemented a draft during the conflict.
He was selected in the NBA draft.
How It's Used
"The young men were subject to the military draft during the war."
"The team has the first pick in the upcoming draft."
A current of air entering or leaving a confined space.
/dræft/
A current of air.
There's a draft coming from under the door.
💡 Simply: When you open a door or window, sometimes you can feel the air moving – like a little wind inside. That moving air is a draft. For example, "I felt a draft coming from under the door."
👶 For kids: A draft is when you can feel the air moving, like a little wind.
More Examples
Make sure to close the windows to avoid a draft.
The house was drafty during the winter.
How It's Used
"Close the window; there's a cold draft coming in."
"The building's energy efficiency was improved by sealing air drafts."
To write or prepare a preliminary version of something.
/dræft/
To prepare a preliminary version of something.
The lawyers are drafting the contract.
💡 Simply: When you 'draft' something, you're making a first try at writing or drawing it. It's the version you can change and improve. For example, "I'll draft an email to send to the client tomorrow."
👶 For kids: When you draft, it's like making the first version of a picture or story.
More Examples
She drafted a quick email to her boss.
I need to draft a budget for the project.
How It's Used
"The author is drafting her new novel."
"They drafted the legal documents last week."
To select individuals for a specific purpose, particularly in sports or military service.
/dræft/
To select people for a purpose.
The team will draft new players during the offseason.
💡 Simply: To choose someone to join a team or organization, like in sports. Imagine you get to pick the best players. For example, "The scouts will draft players for the upcoming season."
👶 For kids: To draft means to pick someone to be on your team.
More Examples
Many young men were drafted into the army.
The scout is responsible to draft players.
How It's Used
"The team drafted the star player during the first round."
"The government drafted young men into service during the war."
To draw or pull, often used in the context of pulling liquid or air.
/dræft/
To draw or pull.
The engine drafted air into the combustion chamber.
💡 Simply: To pull something or draw something. For example, "The engine drafts air to start combustion."
👶 For kids: To draft something means to pull it.
More Examples
The horse was drafted to pull the heavy cart.
How It's Used
"The horse was drafted to pull the carriage."
"The engine drafts hot air through the system."
Idioms & expressions
draft dodger
A person who avoids compulsory military service, especially during a war.
"During the Vietnam War, many young men were accused of being draft dodgers."
draft animal
An animal used for pulling heavy loads.
"Horses and oxen were traditionally used as draft animals."
From Middle English draf, from Old English dræf (“a draught, drawing”), related to dragan (“to draw”).
The word 'draft' has been used since the 13th century. Initially referring to drawing or pulling, its meaning expanded to include selecting people for military service and creating preliminary versions of documents.
Memory tip
Think of a rough sketch of a drawing; a draft is the rough sketch of writing.