afloat

views updated

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.

More From encyclopedia.com