afloat

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈflōt 

1

a

: borne on or as if on the water

b

: being at sea

2

: free of difficulties : self-sufficient

the inheritance kept them afloat for years

3

a

: circulating about

Silly rumors were afloat.

b

: adrift

Synonyms of afloat

• floating

Examples of afloat in a Sentence

the boat can't stay afloat much longer

Recent Examples on the Web

These sorts of subscriptions can add up quickly for consumers, adding recurring expenses at a time when many are struggling to stay afloat. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026

According to sources who spoke with the outlet, the business relies almost entirely on referrals and long-standing client relationships to stay afloat. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Most small boats will remain afloat long enough to support passengers. — Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

But over the past two games, the rotation has done enough to stay afloat, and the rest of the roster hasn’t. — Tyler M. Carmona july 11, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aflote, going back to Old English aflote, on flote, from a- a- entry 1, on on entry 1 + flote, dative of flot "deep water, sea" — more at float entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for afloat

• azote
• banknote
• bareboat
• benzoate
• connote
• cutthroat
• demote
• denote
• devote
• endnote
• footnote
• greatcoat

Kids Definition

afloat

adjective or adverb

ə-ˈflōt 

1

a

: carried on or as if on the water

b

: being at sea

2

: circulating about : rumored

there was a story afloat