quaff

[ kwof, kwaf, kwawf ]

verb (used without object)

1. to drink a beverage, especially an intoxicating one, copiously and with hearty enjoyment.

   Synonyms: guzzle, swig, gulp, swallow

verb (used with object)

1. to drink (a beverage) copiously and heartily:

   We spent the whole evening quaffing ale.

noun

1. an act or instance of quaffing.
2. a beverage quaffed.

quaff

/ kwɑːf; kwɒf /

verb

1. to drink heartily or in one draught

Derived Forms

• ˈquaffer, noun
• ˈquaffable, adjective

Other Words From

• quaffer noun
• outquaff verb (used with object)
• un·quaffed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaff¹

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaff¹

C16: perhaps of imitative origin; compare Middle Low German quassen to eat or drink excessively

Example Sentences

It’s the outline of Mr. Trump’s head – complete with quaff, bushy eyebrows and long neck.

From Salon

“For so many films you start to see these perfect — especially women — these perfect women, that I don’t know, I don’t know any. I don’t know the pleasant, perfect, always quaff, perfect job, never says the wrong thing,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The result is a refreshing, slightly bitter, almost cider-like quaff that demonstrates wine’s ability to connect us to the past.

From Washington Post

It has survived the four decades since, from its designation as the “in” quaff of Hollywood, through the rise of bottled water, past its association as a “mom drink.”

From Washington Post

First we’ll quaff some hearty, undiscovered California zinfandels.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• gulp
• guzzle
• imbibe
• sip
• swig
• swill