# drafts

/ˈdɹæfts/ (US) · /dɹˈɑːfts/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. preliminary writing

noun · CEFR B1

early versions of a piece of writing that are not yet finished.

For teachers: preliminary versions of a text, such as an essay or a contract, intended for further revision.

- She wrote three drafts of her application letter before she was happy with it.
- The author meticulously archived all previous drafts of the manuscript, allowing researchers to trace the evolution of the protagonist's character arc.

### 2. currents of air

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

cold air that blows through a room from a window or door.

For teachers: currents of cool air moving through an enclosed space, typically entering through gaps in windows or doors.

- The old house was full of cold drafts that made the curtains move.
- The architect recommended installing double-glazed windows to eliminate the persistent drafts that plagued the north-facing library during the winter months.

Usage: Spelt 'draughts' in British English.

### 3. the board game

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

a game for two people played with round pieces on a board of black and white squares.

For teachers: a strategy board game for two players involving diagonal moves of uniform game pieces and mandatory captures.

- My grandfather taught me how to play drafts on a rainy afternoon.
- While chess requires complex long-term strategy, drafts remains a popular introductory game for teaching children the fundamentals of tactical positioning.

Usage: Spelt 'checkers' in American English.

## Examples

- I wrote three drafts of the essay before I was happy.
- The author shared several early drafts of the novel with her editor to ensure the plot was moving in the right direction.
- While the final publication received critical acclaim, the initial drafts reveal a much darker tone and a significantly different ending for the protagonist.

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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.