float

To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).intransitive

• Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't.

To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).; To be supported by a liquid of greater density, such that part (of the object or substance) remains above the surface.intransitive

• The boat floated on the water.
• The oil floated on the vinegar.

To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.transitive

• to float a boat

To be capable of floating.intransitive

• That boat doesn't float.
• Oil floats on vinegar.

To move in a particular direction with the liquid in which one is floating.intransitive

• I’d love to just float downstream.

To drift or wander aimlessly.intransitive

• I’m not sure where they went... they're floating around here somewhere.
• Images from my childhood floated through my mind.

To drift gently through the air.intransitive

• The balloon floated off into the distance.

To cause to drift gently through the air, to waft.transitive

• Over the tree-tops I float thee a song, / Over the rising and sinking waves, over the myriad fields and the prairies wide, / Over the dense-pack’d cities all and the teeming wharves and ways, / I float this carol with joy, with joy to thee

To move in a fluid manner.intransitive

• The dancer floated gracefully around the stage.

To circulate.figurativelyintransitive

• There's a rumour floating around the office that Jan is pregnant.

A buoyant device used to support something in water or another liquid.

• Attach the float and the weight to the fishing line, above the hook.

A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream by the current; a raft.

A float board.

A tool similar to a rasp, used in various trades.

A sort of trowel used for finishing concrete surfaces or smoothing plaster.

• When pouring a new driveway, you can use a two-by-four as a float.

An elaborately decorated trailer or vehicle, intended for display in a parade or pageant.

• That float covered in roses is very pretty.

A floating toy made of foam, used in swimming pools.

A small vehicle used for local deliveries, especially in the term milk float.UK

• As soon as the skies brightened and plum-blossom was out, Paul drove off in the milkman's heavy float up to Willey Farm.

Funds committed to be paid but not yet paid.

• Our bank does a nightly sweep of accounts, to adjust the float so we stay within our reserves limit.

An offering of shares in a company (or units in a trust) to members of the public, normally followed by a listing on a stock exchange.Australia

• You don't actually need a broker to buy shares in a float when a company is about to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.