Definitions for the word "float" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. i.
Anything which floats or rests on the surface of a fluid, as to sustain weight, or to indicate the height of the surface, or mark the place of, something.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream by the current; a raft.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
The hollow, metallic ball of a self-acting faucet, which floats upon the water in a cistern or boiler.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
The cork or quill used in angling, to support the bait line, and indicate the bite of a fish.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
Anything used to buoy up whatever is liable to sink; an inflated bag or pillow used by persons learning to swim; a life preserver.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
A float board. See Float board (below).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
A contrivance for affording a copious stream of water to the heated surface of an object of large bulk, as an anvil or die.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
The act of flowing; flux; flow.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
A quantity of earth, eighteen feet square and one foot deep.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
The trowel or tool with which the floated coat of plastering is leveled and smoothed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
A polishing block used in marble working; a runner.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. i.
A single-cut file for smoothing; a tool used by shoemakers for rasping off pegs inside a shoe.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. i.
A coal cart.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
The sea; a wave. See Flote, n.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
To rest on the surface of any fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
To move quietly or gently on the water, as a raft; to drift along; to move or glide without effort or impulse on the surface of a fluid, or through the air.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. t.
To cause to float; to cause to rest or move on the surface of a fluid; as, the tide floated the ship into the harbor.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v. t.
To flood; to overflow; to cover with water.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. v. t.
To pass over and level the surface of with a float while the plastering is kept wet.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. v. t.
To support and sustain the credit of, as a commercial scheme or a joint-stock company, so as to enable it to go into, or continue in, operation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v.
1 a (cause to) rest or move on the surface of a liquid. B set (a stranded ship) afloat. 2 colloq. A move in a leisurely way. B (often foll. By before) hover before the eye or mind. 3 (often foll. By in) move or be suspended freely in a liquid or gas. 4 a start or launch (a company, scheme, etc.). B offer (stock, shares, etc.) On the stock market. 5 commerce cause or allow to have a fluctuating exchange rate. 6 circulate or cause (a rumour or idea) to circulate. n. 1 thing that floats, esp.: a a raft. B a light object as an indicator of a fish biting or supporting a fishing-net. C a hollow structure enabling an aircraft to float on water. D a floating device on water, petrol, etc., controlling the level. 2 small esp. Electrically-powered vehicle or cart (milk float). 3 decorated platform or tableau on a lorry in a procession etc. 4 a supply of loose change in a shop, at a fête, etc. B petty cash. 5 theatr. (in sing. Or pl.) Footlights. 6 tool for smoothing plaster. floatable adj. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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