float
float Lexical Profile
float Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To rest or move on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking, or to be suspended loosely in a fluid like air.
"The empty glass bottle continued to float down the river after being discarded."
To suggest an idea or proposal informally to gauge how people react to it.
"The committee decided to float the new policy during the staff meeting to assess public opinion."
To offer the shares of a company for sale on the stock market for the first time (finance).
"The tech startup plans to float the company on the stock exchange by the end of the fiscal year."
• noun
A buoyant object designed to stay on the surface of a liquid, such as a cork attached to a fishing line or a rescue raft.
"The fisherman watched his float intently, waiting for a sudden dip that would signal a catch."
A decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed, used in a parade.
"The marching band was followed by a massive float covered in thousands of fresh roses."
North American A sweet beverage consisting of a soft drink with one or more scoops of ice cream floating in it.
"We went to the diner and ordered a classic root beer float."
• Rhymes for float
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'flotian' (to rest on water), from Proto-Germanic '*flutōną', derived from the root '*fleutaną' (to float, swim). Ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root '*pleu-' (to flow, float).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.