float
//fləʊt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- float
- past (v2)
- floated
- past participle (v3)
- floated
- present participle
- floating
- 3rd person singular
- floats
- Plural
- floats
Definitions
1.To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
- The boat floated on the water.
- The oil floated on the vinegar.
- Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't.
2.To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.
- Bill, if you'll come with me, you'll float, too.
3.To be capable of floating.
- Bill, if you'll come with me, you'll float, too.
4.To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.
- I’d love to just float downstream.
1.A buoyant device used to support something in water or another liquid.
- Attach the float and the weight to the fishing line, above the hook.
- 'What you need are frogs,' said the veteran. 'Fish them at night. There's nothing like them on big cork floats.'
2.A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream by the current; a raft.
3.A tool similar to a rasp, used in various trades.
4.A float board.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3518
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Uncommon
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English floten, from Old English flotian (“to float”), from Proto-West Germanic *flotōn, from Proto-Germanic *flutōną (“to float”), from Proto-Indo-European *plewd-, *plew- (“to float, swim, fly”).
Compare flow, fleet.