decant

American  

[dih-kant] / dɪˈkænt /

verb (used with object)

1. to pour (wine or other liquid) gently so as not to disturb the sediment.

2. to pour (a liquid) from one container to another.

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decant British  

/ dɪˈkænt /

verb

1. to pour (a liquid, such as wine) from one container to another, esp without disturbing any sediment

2. (tr) to rehouse (people) while their homes are being rebuilt or refurbished

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Other Word Forms

• decantation noun

Etymology

Origin of decant

1625–35; < Medieval Latin dēcanthāre, equivalent to Latin dē- de- + Medieval Latin canth ( us ) spout, rim of a vessel ( Latin: iron band round a wheel < Greek kánthos corner of the eye, tire) + -āre infinitive suffix

Explanation

The verb decant means "to pour." Kids moving water back and forth between two cups, your dad pouring a bucket of soapy water in the sink, or a wine expert emptying a bottle of wine into a fancy glass container — all of them are decanting liquids. When you decant, pronounced "dee-CANT," something by slowly pouring it from one bottle to another, you may feel a little bit like a mad scientist or an alchemist. That image would be appropriate, since early on decant was used by alchemists to describe the process of separating a liquid from a sediment by careful pouring. Today, wine lovers do just that — decanting wine to avoid any solid bits — but pouring any liquid can be described as decanting.

Example Sentences

A previous report from 2022 suggested that a full decant could cost £7bn-£13bn with the building entirely vacated for between 12 and 20 years.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

But here’s the little trick that makes it feel thoughtful rather than “I just grabbed this on the way in”: decant it.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

Some terrific directorial touches linger, such as when three characters decant olive oil in sync, the golden lighting and jazzy instrumentals heightening the sense that the trio has achieved a state of flow.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2023

“We have solutions that we know will decant the system,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2022

Let it remain untouched for a couple of days, then decant the bitter into another bottle.

From The American Housewife Containing the Most Valuable and Original Receipts in all the Various Branches of Cookery; and Written in a Minute and Methodical Manner by Anonymous