Aft Definition & Meaning

American

British

Etymology

Examples

Synonyms aft 1 American [aft, ahft] / æft, ɑft /

adverb

1. at, close to, or toward the stern or tail.

   Stow the luggage aft.

adjective

1. situated toward or at the stern or tail.

   The aft sail was luffing.

aft. 2 American

abbreviation

1. afternoon.

aft 3 American [aft, ahft] / æft, ɑft /

adverb

Scot.

1. oft.

A.F.T. 4 American

abbreviation

1. American Federation of Teachers.

aft British / ɑːft /

adverb

1. nautical towards or at the stern or rear

   the aft deck

   aft of the engines

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of aft

before 950; Middle English afte, Old English æftan from behind, equivalent to æf- opposite + -t- suffix of uncertain value + -an suffix marking motion from; cognate with Old Frisian efta, Old Saxon, Old High German aftan, Gothic aftana, Old Norse aptan, Greek opís ( s ) ō behind; not akin to Greek apó off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Notably, both the A.F.T. and Moms for Liberty have argued for more effective early reading instruction, including a focus on foundational phonics skills.

From New York Times

Because the A.F.T. represents many of the nation’s large, urban school districts, it has long wielded considerable power in Washington.

From New York Times

“Masking inside schools, regardless of vaccine status, is required as an important way to deal with the changing realities of virus transmission,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the A.F.T.

From New York Times

The A.F.T. has contributed $1 million so far, and the PAC has commitments for the remaining $3 million.

From New York Times

That has not deterred Randi Weingarten, the president of the A.F.T. and one of the most powerful union leaders in the country, from defending Mr. Stringer.

From New York Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.