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to waft

to waft

28 5.1
To move gently through the air on a light breeze, like a smell or sound
  • verb
  • /wɑːft/
translation icon : flotar
  • It was a free mix tape that sort of wafted across the the Internet and completely changed R&B.
  • wafting through the air

It can actually waft out this gap at the back of the machine right here.

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Examples

  • The smell of thousands of men wafted to them from inside the barracks.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Despite the warm air, cold wafts up from the ice below.

    Academic text (2008)
  • I need a second to let the classiness waft over me.

  • The smell of onion and garlic wafted in through the door from the kitchen.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • All heads turned as the first cries for help wafted through the air.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Champagne brunch, wafting out over L.A. at sunrise.

  • "Doesn't it smell wonderful?" said Christina, holding it up, wafting it around like incense.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the open window, brightening the room.

  • As we walked through the forest, the soft sound of music wafted gently on the breeze.

  • The smell of freshly baked bread wafts from the kitchen every morning, enticing everyone in the house.

Synonyms

1 4.8

Move gently through the air like a smell or sound

is the same meaning but in a shorter single word form
to whiff
vsto waft
6.9

To move something quickly by a short gust of air

moves more gently and slowly by a light breeze rather than a puff

Antonyms

1.0

To let something fall suddenly or by accident

358 1.0

To move down physically or emotionally, often when tired

Phrasal Verbs

Move gently through the air like a smell or sound

How Strong

to gust
14 3.2
to blow
711 1.0
to drift
331 2.9
to waft
28 5.1
to stir
75 1.0

Surface Forms

waft infinitive
wafted past
wafted past participle
wafting present participle
wafts third person singular

Etymology

Waft likely comes from old words meaning 'to wave' or 'to blow'. Think of a light wave carrying a smell or sound through the air, which is why a scent or a tune 'wafts' into a room.