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 US draft or Brit draught [count] : cool air moving in a closed space (such as a room)
▪ You may want to seal the windows with plastic to stop drafts. 3 [count] US 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 US draft or Brit draught [count] formal + literary : an act of drinking something ; also : the amount swallowed at one time
▪ He took a big draft of beer. 5 US draft or Brit draught [count] : 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 US draft or Brit draught technical 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 8 draught [count] Brit : ²checker