aloft
Americanadverb
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high up; far above the ground.
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Nautical.
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on the masts; in the rigging; overhead.
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(on a square-rigged sailing ship) in the upper rigging, specifically, on or above the lower yards (opposed to alow).
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in or into the air.
preposition
adverb
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in or into a high or higher place; up above
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nautical in or into the rigging of a vessel
Etymology
Origin of aloft
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English o loft, from Old Norse ā lopt “in the air”; equivalent to a- 1 + loft
Explanation
Something up in the air or really high is aloft. Aloft has a soft, floaty sound to it, and it's a great word for talking about flying birds, airborne ballet dancers, and soaring spitballs. Things that are above or overhead are aloft, and they can be flying free or lifted up. Frisbees are aloft when they cut through the air, and your hands are aloft when you hold them high to catch a Frisbee. Some things are stationary, or set in place, and aloft, like tree houses and birds' nests. You might feel suspended in time as you catch air on your bike, aloft over the ground — until you hit pavement reality three seconds later.
Vocabulary lists containing aloft
A Long Walk to Water
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"Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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"The Odyssey," Vocabulary from Part 1 of the epic poem
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
More disappointing is watching a role held aloft by Witherspoon’s charisma and unsinkable pep be submerged in attitudinal gloom despite Minetree’s best efforts.
From Salon ● Jul. 6, 2026
My favorite one features Trump backstage, flanked by both Hogan and Andre the Giant, holding aloft the Winged Eagle belt, still one of the most iconic titles in the American pro-wrestling hierarchy.
From Slate ● Jun. 11, 2026
It could soar on IPO days and remain aloft, despite what the numbers suggest will be a majestic overvaluation from the inception.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026
A vibrant orange form threatens to topple over, as if the aluminum circle it holds aloft is straining its shaky legs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
The dog was suddenly airborne, held aloft, paws sticking out.
From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
