Search results for 'float':

float verb (floated, floating) 1 tr & intr to rest or move, or make something rest or move, on the surface of a liquid. 2 intrans to drift about or hover in the air. 3 intrans to move about in an aimless or disorganized way • The manager was floating about the shop floor. 4 to start up or launch (a company, scheme, etc). 5 to offer (stocks) for sale • 51 per cent of the shares were floated on the stock market. 6 finance to allow (a currency) to vary in value in relation to other currencies • The rouble was floated on the international money market. noun 1 something that floats or is designed to keep something afloat. 2 angling a floating device fixed to a fishing-line, that moves to indicate a bite. 3 a low-powered delivery vehicle • milk float. 4 a vehicle decorated as an exhibit in a street parade. 5 an amount of money set aside each day for giving change, etc in a shop at the start of business • We always keep a float of £20. 6 a blade in a paddle-wheel or water-wheel. 7 a plasterer's trowel. floatable adj.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon flotian; compare fleet².