waft
waft Lexical Profile
waft Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To pass or cause to pass gently and smoothly through the air or over water (especially of a scent, sound, or light substance).
"The sweet aroma of jasmine wafted through the open bedroom window."
• noun
A gentle movement or current of air, or a scent or sound carried lightly through the air.
"A sudden waft of freshly brewed coffee greeted us as we stepped into the cafe."
• Rhymes for waft
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in the early 16th century as a nautical term meaning 'to convoy safely by sea', back-formed from the obsolete noun 'wafter' (an armed escort vessel), from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch 'wachter' meaning 'guard' or 'watchman'. Its modern sense of floating gently on the wind developed through association with the verb 'wave'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.