Definition of afloat
1a : borne on or as if on the waterb : being at sea
2 : free of difficulties : self-sufficient the inheritance kept them afloat for years
3a : circulating about nasty stories were afloatb : adrift
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of afloat
Middle English aflot, from Old English on flot, from on + flot, from flot deep water, sea; akin to Old English flēotan to float — more at fleet
First Known Use: before 12th century
AFLOAT Defined for English Language Learners
afloat
playDefinition of afloat for English Language Learners
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: floating on water
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: having enough money to continue : able to continue without suffering financial failure
AFLOAT Defined for Kids
afloat
playDefinition of afloat for Students
: carried on or as if on water The boat stayed afloat through the storm.
Learn More about afloat
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See words that rhyme with afloat Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for afloat Spanish Central: Translation of afloat Nglish: Translation of afloat for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of afloat for Arabic speakers
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