flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion flō-ˈtā-shən 

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 flotation in a Sentence

fills the tanks with air for flotation

the flotation of a currency

Recent Examples on the Web

And while traditional spa treatments are available, the best way to take advantage of the spa’s unique setting is with an In-Water Massage, where you are brought out to the lagoon on a flotation mat, covered with a blanket and your therapist works on you in the water. —Adam Morganstern, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The spa is a huge draw, so leave your phone behind and get into your body through sauna, salt flotation therapy, and massage treatments. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 17 May 2025

His Drown Zero initiative is working to install flotation ring stands in all areas where there is the potential for someone to end up in distress. —Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

Shein appears to be abandoning its hopes for a flotation in London. —Niamh Rowe, Quartz, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

float entry 2 + -ation

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flotation

• flotation device

Rhymes for flotation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

flotation

noun

flo·​ta·​tion

variants also floatation

flō-ˈtā-shən

1

: the act, process, or state of floating

2

: the separation of the particles of a mass of ground ore according to how they compare in ability to float on a liquid