verb

• (intransitive, of an object or substance) To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
  "Helium balloons float in air, while air-filled balloons don't."
• (intransitive, of an object or substance) To be supported by a fluid of greater density (than the object).
  "The boat floated on the water."
• (transitive) To cause something to be suspended in a fluid of greater density.
  "to float a boat"
• (intransitive) To be capable of floating.
  "That boat doesn't float."

noun

• (British) A small vehicle used for local deliveries, especially in the term milk float.
  "As soon as the skies brightened and plum-blossom was out, Paul drove off in the milkman's heavy float up to Willey Farm."
• (finance) Funds committed to be paid but not yet paid.
  "Our bank does a nightly sweep of accounts, to adjust the float so we stay within our reserves limit."
• (finance, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries?) An offering of shares in a company (or units in a trust) to members of the public, normally followed by a listing on a stock exchange.
  "You don't actually need a broker to buy shares in a float when a company is about to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange."
• (banking) The total amount of checks/cheques or other drafts written against a bank account but not yet cleared and charged against the account.
  "No sir, your current float is not taken into account, when assets are legally garnished."