Draft Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)
Britannica Dictionary definition of DRAFT
1
[count]
:
a version of something (such as a document) that you make before you make the final version
- The published poem differs quite a bit from earlier drafts.
- I just completed a rough draft [=a first version that needs a lot of editing and rewriting] of my speech.
- The final draft [=the final version] is due tomorrow.
2
[count]
US
draft
or British
draught
:
cool air moving in a closed space (such as a room)
- You may want to seal the windows with plastic to stop drafts.
3
a
:
a system in which young people are required to join the armed forces of a country for a period of service
— usually singular
- There is debate about whether the country needs a draft.
- Congress reinstated the draft.
— often used before another noun
- He burned his draft card.
- He's a draft dodger. [=a person who illegally avoids joining the armed forces]
b
:
a system by which professional sports teams choose players from college or high school teams
— usually singular
- He was chosen in the first round of the draft.
— often used before another noun
- draft day
- He was a first-round draft pick.
4
[count]
formal + literary
US
draft
or British
draught
:
an act of drinking something
also
:
the amount swallowed at one time
- He took a big draft of beer.
5
[count]
US
draft
or British
draught
:
a beer that is stored in and poured from a large container
- The bar has 15 different drafts on tap.
6
:
an order for the payment of money from a person or bank to another person or bank
[count]
- The bank issued a draft.
[noncount]
- Payment must be made by bank draft.
7
technical
US
draft
or British
draught
a
:
the depth of water that a boat needs in order to be able to float
[count]
— usually singular
- a boat with a deep/shallow draft
[noncount]
- a ship with 45 feet of draft
b
[noncount]
:
the depth of the water in a river, channel, etc.
- a canal/channel that provides 60 feet of draft
on draft
(US)
of beer
or British
on draught
:
stored in and poured from a large container instead of in individual bottles or cans
- The bar has beer on draft. [=_on tap_]
Britannica Dictionary definition of DRAFT
always used before a noun
1
of an animal
US
draft
or British
draught
:
used for pulling heavy loads
- draft animals/horses
2
of beer
US
draft
or British
draught
:
stored in and poured from a large container
- draft beer
3
:
not yet in the final form
- a draft law/constitution/treaty
Britannica Dictionary definition of DRAFT
[+ object]
1
:
to make a version of (something, such as a document or plan) that will need more work in order to be finished
- He drafted a speech.
- The two countries are drafting a treaty.
2
a
:
to choose (someone) for a special purpose
- The drama club drafted three teenagers to be in the parade.
— often used as (be/get) drafted
- A few of us were drafted to help distribute flyers.
- He got drafted for the fall play.
b
US
:
to officially order (someone) to join the armed forces
- The legislature debated drafting more soldiers.
— often used as (be/get) drafted
- He was drafted for the war.
- He got drafted into the army.
c
US
:
to choose (someone) to play on a professional sports team
- The new rule prohibits teams from drafting players under 18.
— often used as (be/get) drafted
- He was drafted in the first round.
- He got drafted by the Jets.