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

Benike said she was forced to cut staff and use her retirement savings to keep the business afloat. — Elizabeth Schulze, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Four legs take water Unlike fishing spiders, QuadBoat does not rely on surface tension to stay afloat. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

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

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