afloat

adjective or adverb \ ə-ˈflōt \

Definition of afloat

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

nasty stories were afloat

b : adrift

See afloat defined for English-language learners

See afloat defined for kids

Recent Examples of afloat from the Web

The statement was made after it was announced that ABC and Roseanne’s cast and crew have been debating a way to keep the show’s brand afloat, including a possible spinoff with Darlene as the main character.

— morgan enos, Billboard, "Sara Gilbert Says She 'Stands by the Decision ABC Made' to Cancel 'Roseanne'," 4 June 2018
But a proposal is afloat to restore lake herring in Lake Michigan.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Smith: Lake herring restoration is being considered for Lake Michigan," 3 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'afloat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of afloat

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year