verb / noun

quaff

KWAF/kwæf/

To drink heartily or in large gulps, or an act of doing so.

The thirsty man quaffs water from a large mug, tipping his head back.

A thirsty young man takes a deep, hearty draught from a large clear mug of water, tipping both the mug and his head well back.

Etymology

Quaff has long meant drinking in large draughts, but its origin is obscure. It may imitate a sound or relate to Low German quassen, “to overindulge in food and drink”; neither explanation is established.

In context

Audiobooks. Full length, free86:28

do not quaff it down at a gulp in that way never drink a whole glass full of anything at once

GENTLEMEN’S BOOK OF ETIQUETTE. by CECIL B. HARTLEY.. Audiobook - full length, free

More examples

The guests quaffed cider as they celebrated the harvest.
She takes a hearty quaff of lemonade.
They sit by the fire, quaffing beer and telling stories.

Forms

quaff · quaffs · quaffed · quaffing

Similar words

gulp: Emphasizes swallowing quickly, rather than drinking with hearty enjoyment.
chug: Emphasizes continuous, rapid drinking, often until the container is empty.
swig: Usually means taking one large drink, often from a bottle.