Definition of waft
intransitive verb
: to move or go lightly on or as if on a buoyant medium heavenly aromas wafted from the kitchen
transitive verb
: to cause to move or go lightly by or as if by the impulse of wind or waves
wafter
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of waft in a Sentence
The smell of chicken soup wafted up to my bedroom.
The sound of music wafted softly into the yard from our neighbor's house.
A breeze wafted the scent of roses towards our table.
Recent Examples of waft from the Web
-
A surging wildfire raced through California mountains and foothills west of Yosemite National Park on Wednesday, forcing thousands to flee tiny, Gold Rush-era towns and wafting smoky haze over the park’s landmark Half Dome rock face.
-
In Aisle 9 of the Walmart, wafting in through the beach towels.
-
Anchored to a nearby pole, about 10 black balloons wafted in a hot evening breeze.
-
Mashed potatoes, creamed onions, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese—all waited, each one sending its own perfume wafting through the house.
-
On Belle Isle, smoke wafted from David Johnson's small charcoal grill and fishing poles lay nearby on a blanket.
-
The smell wasn't bad this past Wednesday, as a pleasant, cool breeze wafted out of the Northwest.
-
The National Weather Service released this image, showing the fire’s plume wafting north toward Barstow.
-
Our waitress brought out chocolate bon bons in a small metal goblet, served with gas from dry ice wafting away from our table.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waft.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of waft
Middle English, perhaps from past participle of Middle English (northern dialect) waffen, by-form of Middle English waven to wave
Examples of waft in a Sentence
wafts carrying the scent of spring flowers
Recent Examples of waft from the Web
-
The waft of coffee and food mixed with the unmistakable smell of the cold river’s edge was almost intoxicating.
-
Warm breezes waft through the trees, birds soar by, the river hurries past, and the ingredients of comedy, tragedy and everything in between are served up in the fun, casual atmosphere of a picnic.
-
And the premise, which is barely comprehensible at the best of times, just wafts in and out of the play as suits the song choice.
-
After dinner, retire to one of the cozy lounge areas for (more) mezcal, wafts of copal, and live music.
-
The playwright Gerhart Hauptmann (1862-1946) wafts like a ghost through the annals of early-twentieth-century opera.
-
Country music and conservative talk radio waft through the cavernous shop where guns are made and used ones repaired.
-
An imam’s call to the faithful wafts over the tents.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'waft.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of waft
1607
WAFT Defined for English Language Learners
WAFT Defined for Kids
Definition of waft for Students
wafted
;wafting
: to move or be moved lightly by or as if by the action of waves or wind A scent wafted in.
Learn More about waft
-
See words that rhyme with waft Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for waft Spanish Central: Translation of waft Nglish: Translation of waft for Spanish speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up waft? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!