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

Like Lord Dobbs, Sir Jacob doesn't back a full decant, instead preferring the work to be done in stages.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

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

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

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2022

After 24 hours decant the clear liquid into a second test tube, acidify slightly with HCL, and add a little hydrogen sulphid water.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Snyder, Harry