# flotation

/fɫoʊˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /fləʊtˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flotation
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the process of starting to sell a company's shares on the stock market for the first time. It can also mean the act of floating or staying on top of a liquid.

For teachers: the process of offering a company's shares for sale on a public stock exchange to raise capital. In a physical sense, refers to the act or state of remaining buoyant on the surface of a fluid.

## Examples

- The company's flotation on the stock market was a huge success.
- After years of private ownership, the tech startup announced its flotation to attract international investors and fund expansion.
- The success of the initial public flotation depends heavily on market sentiment and the perceived long-term stability of the firm's projected revenue streams.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of buoyancy; countable when referring to the specific financial event of a company going public.

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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.