1 [no obj] a : to rest on top of a liquid
▪ She was floating on her back. ▪ ice floating in the river ▪ Will this material sink or float?
b : to be carried along by moving water or air
▪ The raft floated downstream. ▪ dust floating through the air 2 [+ obj] a : to cause (something) to rest on top of a liquid : to cause (something) to float
▪ The incoming tide will eventually float the ship off the reef.
b : to cause or allow (something) to be carried or moved by moving water
▪ They floated the logs down the river. 3 [no obj] : to move or go in a gentle, graceful, or quiet way
▪ She floated gracefully across the stage. ▪ His voice floated to the back of the room. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ She floated off to sleep. 4 [no obj] : to live without having any serious purpose or goal
▪ He floated through life without ever settling down. 5 [+ obj] : to suggest (an idea, plan, etc.) for acceptance
▪ Someone floated this idea for a new book. 6 [+ obj] US : to make arrangements for (a loan)
▪ They may have to float a loan to raise the money for renovations. ▪ Could you float me a loan? [=could you lend money to me?] 7 [+ obj] finance : to sell (shares in a company) in the market
▪ The company has announced plans to raise capital by floating a new issue of securities next month. 8 of a government : to allow the value of a currency when it is exchanged for other types of currency to change freely [+ obj] ▪ float a currency [no obj] ▪ allow a currency to float