waft

Definition

To (cause to) float easily or gently through the air.

Etymology

From Middle English waften, of uncertain origin. Possibly from unattested Old English *wafettan, from wafian (“to wave”) + -ettan, or perhaps borrowed from Middle Dutch wachten (“to guard, provide for”). See also German wabern (“to waft”), Faroese veiftra (“to wave”) and Icelandic váfa (“to fluctuate, waver, doubt”).

Example Sentences

• "A breeze came in through the open window and wafted her sensuous perfume into my eager nostrils."
• "I will sing of stately Aphrodite, gold-crowned and beautiful, whose dominion is the walled cities of all sea-set Cyprus. There the moist breath of the western wind wafted her over the waves of the loud-moaning sea in soft foam, and there the gold-filleted Hours welcomed her joyously."
• "Through the open window of the church the fragrant incense was wafted and with it the fragrant names of her who was conceived without stain of original sin […]"