quaff

American  

[kwof, kwaf, kwawf] / kwɒf, kwæf, kwɔf /

verb (used without object)

1. to drink a beverage, especially an intoxicating one, copiously and with hearty enjoyment.

   Synonyms:

   guzzle, swig, gulp, swallow

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verb (used with object)

1. to drink (a beverage) copiously and heartily.

   We spent the whole evening quaffing ale.

noun

1. an act or instance of quaffing.

2. a beverage quaffed.

quaff British  

/ kwɑːf, kwɒf /

verb

1. to drink heartily or in one draught

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Other Word Forms

• outquaff verb (used with object)
• quaffable adjective
• quaffer noun
• unquaffed adjective

Etymology

Origin of quaff

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Unruly salt-and-pepper hair in a long quaff, round glasses and broad smile give James Ortiz the look of a whimsical inventor, the kind that hides away in his workshop crafting extraordinary artifacts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

It’s the outline of Mr. Trump’s head – complete with quaff, bushy eyebrows and long neck.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2024

But when it goes right, mistakes are forgiven; the diners perspire, devour, quaff and sing together, and then, only then, will business be done.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2019

Texas Jack’s is that rare modern smokehouse that caters to the craft-drinking crowd — and its desire for refined places to quaff — without sacrificing the quality of its ’cue.

From Washington Post • Jul. 2, 2018

I'm in the midst of taking a quaff of my ale and I nearly spit it all over the table.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

Related Words

• gulp
• guzzle
• imbibe
• sip
• swig
• swill