waft

American  

[waft, wahft] / wæft, wɑft /

verb (used with object)

1. to carry lightly and smoothly through the air or over water.

   The gentle breeze wafted the sound of music to our ears.

2. to send or convey lightly, as if in flight.

   The actress wafted kisses to her admirers in the audience.

3. Obsolete. to signal to, summon, or direct by waving.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to float or be carried, especially through the air.

   The sound wafted on the breeze. The music wafted across the lake.

noun

1. a sound, odor, etc., faintly perceived.

   a waft of perfume.

2. a wafting movement; light current or gust.

   a waft of air.

3. the act of wafting.

4. Nautical. Also a signal given by waving a flag.

waft British  

/ wɒft, wɑːft /

verb

1. to carry or be carried gently on or as if on the air or water

---

noun

1. the act or an instance of wafting

2. something, such as a scent, carried on the air

3. a wafting motion

4. Also called: waif.  nautical (formerly) a signal flag hoisted furled to signify various messages depending on where it was flown

Other Word Forms

• unwafted adjective
• waftage noun
• wafter noun

Etymology

Origin of waft

1535–45; back formation from late Middle English waughter armed escort vessel < Dutch or Low German wachter watchman; in some senses confused with waff

Example Sentences

It was malleable and oblong, perfectly complemented by a waft of boy-next-door blond locks and a brow that could convey emotion just as well as any histrionic soap dialogue.

From Salon • Feb. 15, 2026

Equipment makers are developing machines that are more energy-efficient, and ventilation systems that waft aroma through the lobby—an old-school marketing tactic that still does the trick.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

“If I get low enough, there will be a waft of methane,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2025

Imagine playing as Mario, pirouetting through the Mushroom Kingdom as a waft of a Fire Flower power-up hits you.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

In the silence that follows, delicious smells of our dinner waft in from the dining room.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• drift
• float