- float
- [[t]flo͟ʊt[/t]]
♦♦♦floats, floating, floated1) V-ERG 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.
[V in n] They noticed fifty and twenty dollar bills floating in the water.
[V prep/adv] ...barges floating quietly by the grassy river banks...
[V n] They'll spend some time floating boats in the creek. [Also V n prep/adv]
2) VERB 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.
Ant: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 Something that floats in or through the air hangs in it or moves slowly and gently through it.[V prep/adv] The white cloud of smoke floated away.
[V prep/adv] ...the sun's rays lighting up the dust floating in the air.
6) VERB If a sound or smell floats to a place quite far away, it can be heard or smelled there. [LITERARY][V prep/adv] Sublime music floats on a scented summer breeze to the spot where you lie on the lush grass...
[V prep/adv] The smells of delicious foods floated all around him.
7) VERB If you float somewhere, you walk there very lightly and gracefully. [LITERARY][V prep/adv] Caroline floated up the aisle on her father's arm.
8) VERB If you float a project, plan, or idea, you suggest it for others to think about.[V n] The French had floated the idea of placing the diplomatic work in the hands of the UN.
9) VERB If a company director floats their company, they start to sell shares in it to the public. [TECHNICAL][V n on n] He floated his firm on the stock market...
[V n] The advisers are delaying the key decision on whether to float 60 per cent or 100 per cent of the shares.
10) V-ERG 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. [TECHNICAL][V n] 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.
11) N-COUNT A float is a truck on which displays and people in special costumes are carried in a festival procession.→ See also milk float12) 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]Phrasal Verbs:
English dictionary. 2008.
