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

As diners quaffed fine wine and ate expensive dishes, they could glance at the painting by Rex Whistler depicting a hunting party riding through a fantastical landscape.

From New York Times

Patent absurdity, of course, as much then as now — no matter how many 3D-printed organs we churn out, how long we extend our telomeres, nor how many quaffs of plasma we down.

From Salon

And Ken No. 2 star Liu commented on his doll’s perfectly quaffed hair: “I’m a little jealous to be honest.”

From Los Angeles Times

Those are the most delightful roles to play because you get to portray this one thing: this glossy, pretty, perfectly quaffed exterior.

From Salon

The result is a refreshing, slightly bitter, almost cider-like quaff that demonstrates wine’s ability to connect us to the past.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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