floatation

1 of 2

noun (1)

floa·​ta·​tion

less common spelling of flotation

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
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 floatation in a Sentence

Noun (2) fills the tanks with air for flotation the flotation of a currency
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The panic from the occupants struggling to grab floatation devices helped spur aviation-safety reforms, including mandatory preflight passenger briefings and improvements involving flotation equipment. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026 In the news release, the Sheriff’s Office encouraged the public to wear proper safety equipment and to wear personal floatation devices while on the water. Velvet Wu june 21, Sacbee.com, 21 June 2026
Noun
Momentum says the testing will move through initial flotation and stability tests, real-world sea trials and final certification testing in a specialized laboratory that can reproduce extreme disaster conditions such as wave impacts. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 Use any available items, such as an empty cooler, as a flotation aid. Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for floatation

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of floatation was in 1806

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Floatation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floatation. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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