1 A2 neutral
To move around in a relaxed, aimless way.
"Leaves floated around the garden in the autumn breeze."
float around
B1 informal intransitive
To move around without a clear direction; or for an idea, rumor, or object to circulate informally.
In plain English
When something or someone moves around with no plan, or when an idea or story is being talked about by different people.
What does "float around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
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
For a person to be present in a place in a vague, unfocused way.
"He floated around the party without really talking to anyone."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To float (move on water or air) without direction — transparent for the literal sense.
Actually means
When something or someone moves around with no plan, or when an idea or story is being talked about by different people.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "float around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rumor idea proposal money virus suggestion
How to conjugate "float around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "float around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "float around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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