How to pronounce quaff
Say it like KWAHF. Quaff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quaff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWAHF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quaff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWAHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of quaff
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KWOF.
What does quaff mean?
- The act of quaffing; a deep draught.
- To drink or imbibe with vigor or relish; to drink copiously; to swallow in large draughts.“I can't believe you quaffed four pints of beer and could still drive!”
Where does quaff come from?
Uncertain. Suggestions include connection with Old Irish cuäch (“cup, goblet, bowl; cauldron, large vessel; bowl, cup”) (whence Scots quaich, queff).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with quaff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of quaff.
Questions about saying quaff
How do you pronounce quaff?
Say KWAHF. The American pronunciation is /kwɑf/. In British English it is /kwɒf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quaff?
Quaff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KWAHF.
Is quaff pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /kwɒf/ (KWOF).