draft draft /ˈdræft/

noun

1. () A preliminary sketch of a design or picture  ( rough drawing , draft )
   a preliminary sketch of a design or picture
    The artist's draft captured the essence of the final painting.
   The artist's draft captured the essence of the final painting.
   
   
2. () [ N. American] A current of air (usually coming into a chimney, room or vehicle)  ( draught [Canadian, British] , draft [ N. American] )
   a current of air (usually coming into a chimney, room or vehicle)
   
   
3. () A document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another  ( bill of exchange , order of payment , draft )
   a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
   
4. [ N. American] The act of moving a load by drawing or pulling  ( draft [ N. American] , draught [Canadian, British] , drawing )
   the act of moving a load by drawing or pulling
   
5. [ N. American] A large and hurried swallow  ( draft [ N. American] , draught [Canadian, British] , swig , gulp )
   a large and hurried swallow
    He finished it at a single gulp
   he finished it at a single gulp
   
6. (military) compulsory military service  ( draft , muster , selective service , conscription )
   (military) compulsory military service
   
7. [ N. American] A dose of liquid medicine  ( draft [ N. American] , draught [Canadian, British] )
   a dose of liquid medicine
    He took a sleeping draft
   he took a sleeping draft
   
8. A regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace  ( draft )
   a regulator for controlling the flow of air in a fireplace
   
9. [ N. American] The depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)  ( draft [ N. American] , draught [Canadian, British] )
   the depth of a vessel's keel below the surface (especially when loaded)
   
   
10. Any of the various versions in the development of a written work  ( draft , draft copy )
    any of the various versions in the development of a written work
     A preliminary draft
    a preliminary draft
     The final draft of the constitution
    the final draft of the constitution
    
11. [ N. American] A serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg  ( draft [ N. American] , potation [Archaic] , tipple , draught [Canadian, British] )
    a serving of drink (usually alcoholic) drawn from a keg
     They served beer on draft
    they served beer on draft
    

verb

1. () Draw up an outline or sketch for something  ( outline , draft )
   draw up an outline or sketch for something
    Draft a speech
   draft a speech
   
2. () Engage somebody to enter the army  ( muster in , enlist , draft )
   engage somebody to enter the army
   
3. [ N. American] Make a blueprint of  ( blueprint , draft [ N. American] , draught [Canadian, British] )
   make a blueprint of