float
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1float
noun \ˈflōt\Definition of FLOAT
1
: an act or instance of floating
2
: something that floats in or on the surface of a fluid: as a : a device (as a cork) buoying up the baited end of a fishing line b : a floating platform anchored near a shoreline for use by swimmers or boats c : a hollow ball that floats at the end of a lever in a cistern, tank, or boiler and regulates the liquid level d : a sac containing air or gas and buoying up the body of a plant or animal e : a watertight structure giving an airplane buoyancy on water
3
: a tool or apparatus for smoothing a surface (as of wet concrete)
4
: a government grant of a fixed amount of land not yet located by survey out of a larger specific tract
5
: a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade; also : the vehicle and exhibit together
6
a : an amount of money represented by checks outstanding and in process of collection b : the time between a transaction (as the writing of a check or a purchase on credit) and the actual withdrawal of funds to cover it c : the volume of a company's shares available for active trading in the auction market
7
: a soft drink with ice cream floating in it
See Examples of FLOAT
- We are building a float for the homecoming parade.
- <the crew put the cargo on the float before heading back down the river>
Origin of FLOAT
Middle English flote boat, float, from Old English flota ship; akin to Old High German flōz raft, stream, Old English flēotan to float — more at fleet
First Known Use: before 12th century
2float
verbDefinition of FLOAT
intransitive verb
1
: to rest on the surface of or be suspended in a fluid
2
a : to drift on or through or as if on or through a fluid <yellow leaves floated down> b : wander
3
of a currency : to find a level in the international exchange market in response to the law of supply and demand and without any restrictive effect of artificial support or control
transitive verb
1
a : to cause to float in or on the surface of a fluid b : to cause to float as if in a fluid
2
: flood <float a cranberry bog>
3
: to smooth (as plaster or cement) with a float
4
a : to put forth (as a proposal) for acceptance b : to place (an issue of securities) on the market c : to obtain money for the establishment or development of (an enterprise) by issuing and selling securities d : negotiate <float a loan>
Examples of FLOAT
- She was floating on her back.
- ice floating in the river
- Will this material sink or float?
- dust floating through the air
- The incoming tide will eventually float the ship off the reef.
- They floated the logs down the river.
- She floated gracefully across the stage.
- His voice floated to the back of the room.
First Known Use of FLOAT
before 12th century
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