drift

/drɪft/
noun
  1. A slow movement caused by wind, water, or currents.
    • We measured the drift of the balloon as it floated overhead.
    • The drift of the current pulled the swimmer away from the dock.
    • The boat's drift was barely noticeable on the calm lake.
  2. A pile of snow, sand, or leaves formed by the wind.
    • The children played in the sand drifts near the dunes.
    • We raked the leaves into a large drift for composting.
    • A deep drift of snow blocked the driveway.
  3. The general meaning or main idea of what someone is saying.
    • The drift of his speech was that we need to work together.
    • I didn't catch every word, but I understood the drift of her argument.
    • She explained the drift of the plan in simple terms.
verb
  1. To be carried slowly by wind, water, or air currents.
    • Leaves drifted across the yard in the autumn breeze.
    • The boat began to drift away from the shore.
    • Smoke from the campfire drifted up into the night sky.
  2. To move or change gradually, often without clear direction or purpose.
    • The conversation drifted toward politics.
    • After college, he drifted from one job to another.
    • Her attention drifted during the long lecture.
  3. To pile up in a mass, as snow or sand is moved by wind.
    • Leaves drifted into a heap in the corner of the yard.
    • Snow drifted against the garage door overnight.
    • Sand drifted into small dunes along the beach.
Antonyms
What does "drift" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean