Meaning

(intransitive, of an object or substance) To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive, of an object or substance) To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
2. (transitive) To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.
3. (intransitive) To be capable of floating.
4. (intransitive) To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.
5. (intransitive) To drift or wander aimlessly.
6. (intransitive) To drift gently through the air.
7. (transitive) To cause to drift gently through the air, to waft.
8. (intransitive) To move in a fluid manner.

Example Sentences

Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't.

to float a boat

That boat doesn't float.

Oil floats on vinegar.

I’d love to just float downstream.

I’m not sure where they went... they're floating around here somewhere.

Images from my childhood floated through my mind.

The balloon floated off into the distance.

Word Forms

• floats
• floating
• floated

Synonyms for float

Antonyms for float

Related Words

When Should You Use Float?

Use float when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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