float
♦ float /fl'oʊt/ (floats floating floated)
1 [VERB] V in n, V prep/adv, V n, also V n prep/adv
If something or someone is floating in a liquid, they are in the liquid, on or just below the surface, and are being supported by it. You can also float something on a liquid.
They noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water.
...barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks...
They'll spend some time floating boats in the creek.
2 [VERB] V
Something that floats lies on or just below the surface of a liquid when it is put in it and does not sink.
Empty things float.
≠ sink
3 [N-COUNT]
A float is a light object that is used to help someone or something float.
4 [N-COUNT]
A float is a small object attached to a fishing line which floats on the water and moves when a fish has been caught.
5 [VERB] V prep/adv
Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it.
The white cloud of smoke floated away.
6 [VERB] V n
If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about.
The French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the UN.
7 [VERB] V n on n, V n
If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. (BUSINESS)
He floated his firm on the stock market...
The advisers are delaying the key decision on whether to float 60 per cent or 100 per cent of the shares.
8 [VERB] V n, V
If a government floats its country's currency or allows it to float, it allows the currency's value to change freely in relation to other currencies. (BUSINESS)
A decision by the Finns to float their currency sent a shudder through the foreign exchanges...
59 per cent of people believed the pound should be allowed to float freely.
9 [N-COUNT]
A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.
see also milk float
10 [N-SING]
A float is a small amount of coins and notes of low value that someone has before they start selling things so that they are able to give customers change if necessary. (BRIT)float around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
A rumour or idea that is floating around is often heard or talked about.
There are still some unfounded fears floating around out there about cancer being contagious.milk float (milk floats)
[N-COUNT]
A milk float is a small electric van with a roof and no sides which is used to deliver milk to people's houses. (BRIT)
1 [VERB] V in n, V prep/adv, V n, also V n prep/adv
If something or someone is floating in a liquid, they are in the liquid, on or just below the surface, and are being supported by it. You can also float something on a liquid.
They noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water.
...barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks...
They'll spend some time floating boats in the creek.
2 [VERB] V
Something that floats lies on or just below the surface of a liquid when it is put in it and does not sink.
Empty things float.
≠ sink
3 [N-COUNT]
A float is a light object that is used to help someone or something float.
4 [N-COUNT]
A float is a small object attached to a fishing line which floats on the water and moves when a fish has been caught.
5 [VERB] V prep/adv
Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it.
The white cloud of smoke floated away.
6 [VERB] V n
If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about.
The French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the UN.
7 [VERB] V n on n, V n
If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. (BUSINESS)
He floated his firm on the stock market...
The advisers are delaying the key decision on whether to float 60 per cent or 100 per cent of the shares.
8 [VERB] V n, V
If a government floats its country's currency or allows it to float, it allows the currency's value to change freely in relation to other currencies. (BUSINESS)
A decision by the Finns to float their currency sent a shudder through the foreign exchanges...
59 per cent of people believed the pound should be allowed to float freely.
9 [N-COUNT]
A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.
see also milk float
10 [N-SING]
A float is a small amount of coins and notes of low value that someone has before they start selling things so that they are able to give customers change if necessary. (BRIT)float around
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
A rumour or idea that is floating around is often heard or talked about.
There are still some unfounded fears floating around out there about cancer being contagious.milk float (milk floats)
[N-COUNT]
A milk float is a small electric van with a roof and no sides which is used to deliver milk to people's houses. (BRIT)