# afloat

/əˈfɫoʊt/ (US) · /ɐflˈəʊt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/afloat
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

floating on the surface of water. You use it to describe a boat, a person, or an object that is not sinking.

For teachers: resting on the surface of a liquid rather than submerged. Often used in the idiom 'keep afloat' to mean maintaining financial stability or survival.

## Examples

- The small boat stayed afloat in the rough sea.
- She threw a life ring to help the swimmer stay afloat until the rescue team arrived.
- Despite the heavy storm and rising winds, the sturdy vessel remained afloat, drifting slowly toward the distant shore.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.