float

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

Examples of FLOAT

1. We are building a float for the homecoming parade.
2. <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

Related to FLOAT

Synonyms: dock, jetty, landing, levee, pier, quai, quay, wharf

Related Words: berth, mooring, slip; embarcadero [West]; dockyard, marina, quayage, shipyard, wharfage

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with FLOAT

bloat, boat, coat, cote, dote, gloat, goat, groat, haute, moat, mote, note, oat, quote, rote, shoat, stoat, throat, tote, vote