waft
/wɑːft/
NOUN
1. A light breeze
A gentle movement of air, usually pleasant and barely strong enough to be felt.
1.1. Gentle movement of air
A soft, light current of air that moves gently through a place.
Synonyms
- breeze
- zephyr
- airflow
- draft
- puff
Examples
- A gentle waft of air entered through the open window.
- A cool waft of breeze refreshed the room on a warm afternoon.
Related Words
- wind
- gust
- current
- ventilation
- air
NOUN
2. A passing smell or scent
A faint or pleasant smell carried through the air from its source to another place.
2.1. Aroma carried through the air
A brief or gentle movement of fragrance, odor, or scent that can be detected as it travels through the air.
Synonyms
- whiff
- breeze
- puff
Examples
- A waft of freshly baked bread drifted from the bakery.
- A sweet waft of jasmine filled the garden.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A flag or signal indicating wind direction
A flag or piece of fabric used to indicate wind direction or serve as a signal.
3.1. Wind-direction flag or signal
A flag or similar piece of fabric displayed to show the direction of the wind or communicate a signal.
Synonyms
- flag
- waif
- wheft
Related Words
VERB
4. Moving gently through the air
To float, drift, or be carried gently through the air by a current of air or another supporting medium.
4.1. Floating or drifting through the air
Moving smoothly and lightly through the air without noticeable effort, often carried by a gentle breeze.
Synonyms
- drift
- float
- glide
- blow
- hover
- sail
- be carried
Antonyms
Examples
- The fragrance of fresh flowers began to waft through the open windows.
- Clouds of smoke wafted gently across the valley.
- The autumn leaves wafted through the air before settling on the ground.
Related Words
- breeze
- airflow
- wind
- suspend
- buoy
- current
4.2. Being carried on water or another medium
Moving or floating gently on a buoyant medium, such as water, rather than sinking.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sink
- submerge
- submerse
- plunge
- dive
Examples
- The small boat wafted gently across the calm water.
Related Words
VERB
5. Waving or beckoning to someone
To signal or attract someone's attention by waving an object or moving the hand.
5.1. Signaling with a wave
Using a hand gesture or a waved object to attract someone's attention, give notice, or invite someone to approach.
Synonyms
Examples
- The sailor wafted a flag to signal the approaching boat.
Related Words
- flag
- semaphore
- signaler
- signaller
- hand gesture