1a preliminary version of a piece of writing:the first draft of the party’s manifesto [as modifier]:a draft document
a plan, sketch, or rough drawing:a manuscript draft representing the explorer’s latest findings
[mass noun] Computing a mode of operation of a printer in which text is produced rapidly but with relatively low definition.
2a written order to pay a specified sum.
3 (the draft) US compulsory recruitment for military service:25 million men were subject to the draft
North American a procedure whereby sports players are made available for selection or reselection by the teams in a league, usually with the earlier choices being given to the weaker teams:the White Sox chose him in the 13th round of the 1990 draft
rare a group or individual selected from a larger group for a special duty, e.g. for military service:the draft and I were sent to the barracks near Folkestone