float around

B1 informal intransitive

In simple words

When something or someone moves around with no plan, or when an idea or story is being talked about by different people.

Literal meaning: To float (move on water or air) without direction — transparent for the literal sense.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

common

To move around in a relaxed, aimless way.

"Leaves floated around the garden in the autumn breeze."

2 B1 idiomatic informal

very common

For an idea, rumor, or piece of information to circulate informally without being confirmed.

"There's been a rumor floating around the office that the company is being sold."

3 B1 idiomatic informal

common

For a person to be present in a place in a vague, unfocused way.

"He floated around the party without really talking to anyone."

Usage notes

Very common in both literal and figurative senses. The figurative sense (a rumor or idea 'floating around') is especially frequent in everyday speech and journalism.

Commonly used with

rumor idea proposal money virus suggestion

Forms

Base

float around

I/you/we/they

3rd person

floats around

he/she/it

Past simple

floated around

yesterday

Past participle

floated around

have + pp

-ing form

floating around

continuous

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