Plain English Meaning

Wind tries to blow the airplane sideways off its path. Counteracting drift means heading the nose slightly into the wind so the airplane still travels in the direction you actually want to go.

Full Definition

The act of correcting for the sideways movement of an airplane caused by wind acting on it during flight, typically by establishing a wind correction angle (crab) so the airplane's actual path over the ground follows the intended track rather than being pushed off course.

Context Anchor

Used when flying the airport traffic pattern, especially when keeping the downwind leg parallel to the runway and lining up correctly for landing.