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

This must-have pet flotation aid is designed to help your pet remain in their natural swimming position; plus the fun decorative shark fin is reflective for spending the day in the water. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 24 May 2026

The 109-room property houses a 2,300-square-meter spa featuring London’s first hotel magnesium pool, cryotherapy, flotation spaces and a longevity clinic. —Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

The spa is also home to North America’s largest flotation bath, a signature draw for visitors looking to fully unwind after a day of sightseeing. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

Inside you’ll find thermal baths, Finnish saunas, a salt scrub room, quiet relaxation spaces and North America’s largest flotation bath. —Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Apr. 2026

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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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