English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word float in English

What does float mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

float

US /floʊt/
UK /floʊt/
"float" picture

Verb

1.

rest or move on or near the surface of a liquid without sinking

Example:
•
The boat began to float on the water.
•
A piece of wood will float, but a stone will sink.
Synonym:
drifthover
Synonym:
sink
2.

move lightly and gracefully in the air; hover

Example:
•
The balloons began to float upwards.
•
A feather can float gently on the breeze.
Synonym:
hoverdriftglide
3.

allow a currency to fluctuate in value against other currencies

Example:
•
The government decided to float the national currency.
•
The central bank will no longer intervene to prevent the currency from floating freely.

Noun

1.

a light, buoyant object, especially one used as a marker or for support

Example:
•
The fisherman cast his line with a small red float.
•
Children often use arm floats when learning to swim.
Synonym:
buoyraft
2.

a vehicle or structure, typically decorated, used in a parade

Example:
•
The parade featured many colorful floats.
•
Each community designed its own unique float for the festival.
Synonym:
parade cardisplay vehicle
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Related Word:
floating islandfloating shelffloat aroundfloating exchange rate