Draft vs. Draught
“Draft” has independent senses such as an unfinished version of writing. For several other senses—including a current of cold air—Cambridge documents UK “draught” and US “draft.”
Use “draft” for an unfinished version of writing. For senses that Cambridge marks regionally, use UK “draught” and US “draft.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| an unfinished version of writing, a plan, or a document is meant | draft | Use “draft”; this sense is not replaced by “draught” in ordinary UK writing. |
| a current of air is meant in UK-oriented English | draught | Use the UK spelling for this sense. |
| a current of air is meant in US English | draft | Use the US spelling for this sense. |
| an established term such as draught beer / draft beer is meant | follow the regional or domain convention | Identify the sense before changing the spelling. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Does the word mean an unfinished version of text, a plan, or a document?
If yes: Use “draft.”
If no: For senses such as a current of air or beer terminology, apply the documented regional/domain spelling rather than treating the pair as a blanket swap.
Caveat: This pair is sense-sensitive. “Draft” has major meanings that are not simply US variants of “draught,” so identify the meaning before applying a regional spelling rule.
Examples
I sent the first draft to the editor.
An unfinished version of writing is “draft” in this sense.
A cold draught came through the window.
“Draught” is the UK spelling for a current of air.
A cold draft came through the window.
“Draft” is the US spelling for a current of air.
Further guidance
Core difference
The pair is not a blanket regional swap because “draft” also has meanings that are not replaced by “draught.”
Fast Test
Identify the intended sense first, then apply the documented regional or domain spelling for that sense.
Variant Boundary
Check the exact sense—writing, cold air, beer, boat depth, animals, or another domain—before applying a regional spelling.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Draft — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Draft entry covering unfinished writing and documenting US draft for relevant draught senses
- Draught — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Draught entry documenting UK draught and US draft in cold-air, beer, boat-depth and related senses