What does waft mean?
Waft is both a verb and a noun describing the gentle movement of air. As a verb, it denotes something drifting or being carried lightly through the atmosphere, as when “the scent of pine wafted through the room.” As a noun, a waft is a soft current or trace of air, often perceptible mainly because it carries a scent, sound, or suggestion of mood: “a waft of perfume,” “a waft of distant music.” Unlike a gust, which suggests a stronger or more abrupt movement of wind, a waft is generally light, gradual, and elusive. The word often appears in literary, descriptive, or atmospheric writing, although it remains clear in ordinary speech. It can also be used figuratively for a subtle emotional or stylistic impression, such as a waft of irony or nostalgia. Waft is useful because it captures not merely motion but the almost intangible arrival of scent, atmosphere, or feeling.
A light current or trail of air, often carrying a scent, sound, or subtle atmospheric quality.
"A waft of perfume came through the cracked window."
The noun can also be used figuratively for a slight suggestion of a mood, quality, or style.
To move or be carried gently through the air; to carry or send something lightly through the air.
"A thin cloud wafted across the valley."
The transitive use, meaning to carry or send something through the air, is especially literary.
The noun is countable, and wafts is the standard plural.
"Faint wafts of sea air drifted through the open windows."
With roots in a German word for a current of air, waft can carry a scent—or an entire mood—across a room.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does waft come from?
Waft entered English in the late 16th century as a noun for a current or breeze of air, borrowed from obsolete German wabt. It is related to Middle High German wabe and to Old English wafian, “to waver,” and Old Norse vaf, “a waft or current of air.” Its Germanic ancestry has been connected with the Indo-European root also associated with weave.
Related word forms
How waft is actually used
Waft is especially common in literary, descriptive, and atmospheric contexts. It normally suggests something light, gradual, and elusive rather than the force of a gust.
Easily confused with waft
In non-rhotic British English, raft and waft can sound alike, but a raft is a floating platform, whereas a waft is a movement or trail of air.