a·float / əˈflōt/ • adj. & adv. floating in water; not sinking: [as adv.] they trod water to keep afloat | [as adj.] the canoes were still afloat. ∎  on board a ship or boat: [as adv.] flotilla sailing is a sociable way to explore while living afloat. ∎ fig. out of debt or difficulty: [as adv.] I contrived to stay afloat in honest self-employment. ∎  in general circulation; current: [as adj.] the rumor has been afloat that I am far advanced in years.

afloat on the water or the sea. XII. — ME. o(n) flote on the sea, at sea, i.e. ON, A-1, and dat. of OE. flot sea (see FLOAT); in ME. partly after ON. á flot and OF. a flote; from XVI prob. a new formation.