# floater

/ˈfɫoʊtɝ/ (US) · /flˈəʊtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/floater
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a tiny dark spot that seems to drift across what you see. You notice it most when you look at a bright plain surface like the sky.

For teachers: a small dark speck perceived as drifting across the visual field, caused by shadows cast by debris within the vitreous humour.

## Examples

- I see a small floater when I look at the sky.
- The eye doctor tells her the floater is harmless and will become less noticeable over time.
- After the eye exam, he learns the persistent floater results from age-related changes in the vitreous gel rather than retinal damage.

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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.