aft

¹ American  

[aft, ahft] / æft, ɑft /

adverb

1. at, close to, or toward the stern or tail.

   Stow the luggage aft.

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adjective

1. situated toward or at the stern or tail.

   The aft sail was luffing.

aft ² American  

[aft, ahft] / æft, ɑft /

adverb

Scot.

1. oft.

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aft. ³ American  

abbreviation

1. afternoon.

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A.F.T. ⁴ American  

abbreviation

1. American Federation of Teachers.

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aft British  

/ ɑːft /

adverb

1. nautical towards or at the stern or rear

   the aft deck

   aft of the engines

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Etymology

Origin of aft

before 950; Middle English afte, Old English æftan from behind, equivalent to æf- opposite + -t- suffix of uncertain value + -an suffix marking motion from; cognate with Old Frisian efta, Old Saxon, Old High German aftan, Gothic aftana, Old Norse aptan, Greek opís ( s ) ō behind; not akin to Greek apó off

Example Sentences

“And be optimistic, Penny! For the unexpected does, quite frequently, happen. As the poet said, ‘The best-laid plans of wolves and men gang aft agley.’”

From Literature

Two tunnels ran from fore to aft, right beneath the deck.

From The Wall Street Journal

This meant that he knew flying any higher with the aft door open would be risky.

From Los Angeles Times

Hang in the aft, and there might be talk of a siren on board.

From Los Angeles Times

In September, misdrilled holes were discovered in the 737 MAX aft pressure bulkhead, the domed fuselage cap that seals the rear of the passenger cabin and is installed at Spirit.

From Seattle Times