# draft /ˈdɹæft/ (US) · /dɹˈɑːft/ (UK) Source: https://englishreference.com/word/draft Updated: 2026-06-19 ## Senses ### 1. preliminary text noun · CEFR B1 a first version of a piece of writing that will be changed or improved later. For teachers: a preliminary version of a written work, such as a manuscript, report, or legal document, intended for further revision. - I need to finish the first draft of my essay by tomorrow morning. - The legal team submitted a rough draft of the contract for review, noting several clauses that required further negotiation. ### 2. current of air noun · CEFR B2 · American English a cold current of air that comes into a room or vehicle. For teachers: a current of cool air in a confined space, typically caused by a lack of insulation or an open window. - Can you close the window? There is a cold draft in here. - The old Victorian house was notorious for its drafts, which made the living room nearly impossible to heat during the winter months. Usage: Often spelled 'draught' in British English. ### 3. military conscription noun · CEFR B2 · American English a system where the government forces people to join the military. For teachers: compulsory recruitment for military service, often determined by a lottery or specific selection criteria. - During the war, many young men were called up by the draft. - The government faced widespread protests after announcing the reinstatement of the draft to bolster the standing army. ### 4. sports selection noun · CEFR B2 · American English a system where professional teams take turns choosing new players. For teachers: a process in professional sports where teams select players from a pool of eligible candidates, typically from colleges or junior leagues. - The young quarterback was the first pick in the annual draft. - The team's strategy for the upcoming draft focused on strengthening their defensive line with high-potential college graduates. ### 5. nautical depth noun · CEFR C1 · Technical the depth of water a ship needs to stay afloat. For teachers: the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull, determining the minimum depth of water required for navigation. - The ship has a deep draft, so it cannot enter the shallow harbour. - The captain expressed concern that the vessel's draft was too great for the silted canal, risking a grounding at low tide. ### 6. to write a version verb · CEFR B2 · Academic to write the first version of something. For teachers: to prepare a preliminary version of a text or plan, often involving the structuring of core arguments or data. - She spent the afternoon drafting a letter to the city council. - The committee spent several weeks drafting the new policy, ensuring that every department's concerns were addressed in the final document. ### 7. to select for a role verb · CEFR C1 · Formal to choose someone for a specific job or task, often when they did not volunteer. For teachers: to select or recruit an individual for a specific purpose, role, or duty, often in a formal or compulsory capacity. - He was drafted into the committee because of his expertise in finance. - Despite his reluctance to enter politics, he was eventually drafted by the party to run for the vacant senate seat. ### 8. drinks on tap adjective · CEFR B1 · American English describing beer or other drinks served from a large container rather than a bottle. For teachers: referring to beverages, particularly beer, drawn from a cask or keg through a tap system. - The bar has several local draft beers for you to try. - The establishment prides itself on its selection of draft ales, which are maintained at a precise temperature to preserve their flavour profile. ### 9. pulling loads adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical describing animals used for pulling heavy things like carts or ploughs. For teachers: referring to animals, such as horses or oxen, bred and used for pulling heavy loads or agricultural machinery. - Draft horses are much larger and stronger than racing horses. - The farm still employs draft animals for certain tasks where modern tractors would damage the delicate soil structure. ## Examples - I need to finish the first draft of my essay tonight. - The committee reviewed the initial draft of the proposal and suggested several changes to the budget section. - While the final manuscript was polished and concise, the early drafts revealed a much more experimental structure that the author eventually abandoned for clarity. --- From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.