Quaff: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in a literary or formal context to describe drinking something heartily, often alcohol.

• He quaffed the ale with great satisfaction.
• After a long day, they quaffed their drinks in celebration.

Describes drinking quickly and in large mouthfuls, typically when very thirsty or in a hurry.

• She gulped down the cold lemonade after her run.
• He had to gulp his coffee before the meeting started.

An informal term usually referring to drinking in large mouthfuls, often directly from the container.

• He took a big swig of water from his bottle.
• She swigged the juice straight from the carton.

Used informally and often to describe drinking something quickly and energetically, sometimes as part of a competition.

• He chugged the entire bottle of water in one go.
• They were chugging beers at the party.

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned term, often used in a literary context to refer to drinking, usually alcohol.

• She likes to imbibe a glass of wine in the evening.
• They gathered to imbibe the local beer and chat.