float

²float

verb

Definition 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

1. She was floating on her back.
2. ice floating in the river
3. Will this material sink or float?
4. dust floating through the air
5. The incoming tide will eventually float the ship off the reef.
6. They floated the logs down the river.
7. She floated gracefully across the stage.
8. His voice floated to the back of the room.

First Known Use of FLOAT

before 12th century

Related to FLOAT

Synonyms: drift, glide, hang, hover, poise, ride, sail, swim, waft

Antonyms: settle, sink

Related Words: bob, dangle, suspend; buoy; balloon, raft

Near Antonyms: dive, lunge, plunge; dip, immerse, submerge, submerse

see all synonyms and antonyms

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