flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion flō-ˈtā-shən 

variants or less commonly floatation

1

: the act, process, or state of floating

2

: an act or instance of financing (such as an issue of stock)

3

: the separation of the particles of a mass of pulverized ore according to their relative capacity for floating on a given liquid

also : any of various similar processes involving the relative capacity of materials for floating

4

: the ability (as of a tire or snowshoes) to stay on the surface of soft ground or snow

Examples of flotation in a Sentence

fills the tanks with air for flotation

the flotation of a currency

Recent Examples on the Web

But a flotation would come at a time when investors are questioning whether Europe’s defense spending boom can live up to expectations. — Elsa Ohlen,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 24 June 2026

On paper, the flotation makes little sense, said John Rapley on UnHerd. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 21 June 2026

In the near term, Angelis believes coast guards could be among the first users, especially for getting flotation to people in distress before boats arrive. — New Atlas, 18 June 2026

Treatments include massages, facials, aromatherapy, and flotation therapies, all performed in serene limestone chambers warmed by radiant heated floors. — Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flotation

• flotation device

Rhymes for flotation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion

variants also floatation

flō-ˈtā-shən

1

: the act, process, or state of floating

2

: the separation of the particles of a mass of ground ore according to how they compare in ability to float on a liquid