Drafty describes a space where cold air sneaks in through cracks, gaps, or openings, creating uncomfortable breezes. A drafty room might have old windows that don't seal properly, letting winter wind whistle through. You might feel a drafty hallway when cold air flows under a door, or sit in a drafty corner of a classroom where the heating doesn't quite reach.

The word comes from draft, which means a current of air moving through an enclosed space. While some air circulation is pleasant on a hot day, a draft in winter feels unpleasant and makes you want to grab a sweater or blanket. Old houses tend to be draftier than new ones because their walls, windows, and doors have shifted over time, creating small gaps where air can enter.

People often try to fix drafty spaces by weatherstripping doors, sealing windows, or stuffing towels along the floor where cold air enters. If you've ever sat near a drafty window on a cold day, you know exactly how it feels: the room might be warm, but you're stuck in that one chilly spot where the outside air keeps finding its way in.