Definition

1. Noun:

   • A preliminary version of a written work: A "draft" is an early, often unpolished, version of a text, such as an essay, letter, or law, which is subject to revision.
   • Compulsory military service: The "draft" refers to the system of selecting individuals for mandatory service in the armed forces.
   • A current of cool air: A "draft" is a flow of air, especially an unwanted one, entering a room or space.
   • A written order for payment: A "draft" is a financial document, like a check or bill of exchange, ordering a bank to pay a specified sum.
   • The act of pulling or drawing a load: The "draft" is the action of pulling something heavy, often referring to animals used for this purpose.
   • A large swallow of a drink: A "draft" can be a single, hurried drink or gulp of a liquid.
   • The depth a ship sinks in water: In nautical terms, "draft" is the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of a ship's keel.
   • A dose of liquid medicine: A "draft" is a portion of medicine prepared to be drunk.
   • Beer served from a cask or keg: "Draft" describes beer drawn from a large container, as opposed to being bottled or canned.
   • A preliminary sketch: A "draft" can be an initial, rough drawing or design.

2. Verb:

   • To write a preliminary version: To "draft" means to compose a first or early version of a text.
   • To select for compulsory military service: To "draft" someone is to conscript them into the armed forces.
   • To draw up a plan or outline: To "draft" is to prepare a preliminary plan, sketch, or document.
   • To make a technical drawing: To "draft" can mean to create a detailed blueprint or technical diagram.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The author wrote three drafts of her novel before she was satisfied.
  • He was exempt from the military draft due to a medical condition.
  • Please close the window; there's a cold draft.
  • The company issued a bank draft to pay the supplier.
  • The beer tastes better on draft than from a bottle.

• Verb:

  • The lawyer will draft the contract by tomorrow.
  • During the war, the government drafted thousands of young men.
  • The committee drafted a proposal for the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• "First draft": The initial, complete version of a piece of writing.

  • The first draft is just about getting your ideas on paper; you can edit later.

• "Feel a draft": To sense a current of air; idiomatically, to sense hidden criticism or hostility.

  • I think I feel a draft from under the door. (Literal)
  • When he stopped talking, I felt a draft in the room. (Idiomatic, implying a chill in the atmosphere)

• "Draft dodger": A person who illegally avoids compulsory military service.

  • He fled the country to avoid being labeled a draft dodger.

Variants and Related Words

• Draught: (Noun/Verb) The British English spelling for most meanings of "draft," especially concerning air currents, beer, and pulling.

  • He opened the door, causing a draught.
  • A pint of draught ale.

• Drafter/Draftsman: (Noun) A person who drafts documents or technical drawings.

  • The drafter prepared the architectural plans.

• Drafty/Draughty: (Adjective) Describing a place where unwanted currents of air enter.

  • This old house is very drafty in the winter.

Synonyms

• Noun (written version): Sketch, outline, version.
• Noun (military service): Conscription, call-up.
• Noun (air current): Breeze, current, gust.
• Verb (to write): Compose, prepare, formulate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Draft in: To bring someone in to help, especially for a specific task.
  • They had to draft in extra staff to handle the holiday rush.

Related Idioms

• "A rough draft": An early, unrefined version.

  • Don't worry about perfection; just give me a rough draft of your ideas.

• "Draft animal": An animal, such as a horse or ox, used for pulling heavy loads.

  • Before tractors, farmers relied on draft animals.

Noun

1. the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
2. a large and hurried swallow
   • he finished it at a single gulp
3. compulsory military service
4. a dose of liquid medicine
   • he took a sleeping draft
5. a regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace
6. the depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
7. any of the various versions in the development of a written work
   • a preliminary draft
   • the final draft of the constitution
8. a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
   • they served beer on draft
9. a preliminary sketch of a design or picture
10. a current of air (usually coming into a chimney or room or vehicle)
11. a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another

Verb

1. make a blueprint of
2. engage somebody to enter the army
3. draw up an outline or sketch for something
   • draft a speech