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

I brew it in huge batches and decant it into a glass jug that looks vaguely like a science experiment.

From Salon • Jul. 8, 2025

So don’t let the modest price fool you — crack open the screw cap a few hours before dinner, or better yet, decant it and let it come to life while you cook.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2023

I poured coffee grounds from a red can into a pot of boiling water, waited to decant cowboy coffee, and thought about how to lose the fox.

From Salon • Oct. 22, 2022

I keep small salt and pepper grinders in my picnic box, plus packets of condiments or small containers in which to decant perishable condiments.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 27, 2022

To taste the tasted, and at each return Less tasteful? o’er our palates to decant Another vintage? strain a flatter year, 340 Through loaded vessels, and a laxer tone?

From Young's Night Thoughts With Life, Critical Dissertation and Explanatory Notes by Young, Edward