# drafting

/ˈdɹæftɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈɑːftɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drafting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. writing a first version

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the act of writing the first version of a document, speech, or law.

For teachers: the process of composing a preliminary version of a text, typically for legal, legislative, or formal purposes.

- The drafting of the new contract took several weeks because there were many details to check.
- The drafting of the international treaty required months of delicate negotiation to ensure all parties agreed on the specific terminology.

### 2. technical drawing

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the skill or job of making detailed plans for buildings or machines.

For teachers: the act or profession of producing precise technical drawings for architecture, engineering, or manufacturing.

- He studied drafting in college so he could work for an architecture firm.
- Modern drafting has largely moved from physical drawing boards to sophisticated computer-aided design software.

### 3. racing/cycling

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

following closely behind another vehicle to use less energy by staying out of the wind.

For teachers: the practice of following in a close line behind another vehicle or cyclist to reduce wind resistance and conserve energy.

- The cyclist stayed close to the leader, using drafting to save his strength for the finish.
- In professional motor racing, drafting is a critical tactic used to gain enough speed to overtake an opponent on a straight track.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in sports contexts.

### 4. the act of preparing a version

verb · CEFR B1

the action of creating a rough version of something.

For teachers: the present participle of 'draft', referring to the ongoing act of creating a preliminary sketch or document.

- I am currently drafting a letter to the manager about the broken heater.
- While drafting the proposal, the team realised they had significantly underestimated the total cost of materials.

## Examples

- The lawyer is busy drafting the new contract.
- After weeks of research, the student finally began drafting the first chapter of her thesis.
- The drafting of the international treaty required months of delicate negotiation to ensure that every signatory's primary concerns were addressed in the preliminary text.

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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.