aloft

American  

[uh-lawft, uh-loft] / əˈlɔft, əˈlɒft /

adverb

1. high up; far above the ground.

2. Nautical.

   1. on the masts; in the rigging; overhead.

   2. (on a square-rigged sailing ship) in the upper rigging, specifically, on or above the lower yards (alow ).

3. in or into the air.

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preposition

1. on or at the top of.

   flags flying aloft the castle.

aloft British  

/ əˈlɒft /

adverb

1. in or into a high or higher place; up above

2. nautical in or into the rigging of a vessel

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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

Example Sentences

It would have been held aloft in battle like a flag and used as a rallying point for troops.

From BBC

Hundreds of tourists could be seen milling around the fountain Friday, many holding phones aloft to snap pictures.

From Barron's

Beyond AI, other tailwinds could keep the market aloft.

From Barron's

"Maria, here!" they shouted in Spanish, as many held their phones aloft to record the historic moment.

From BBC

Budget days used to be symbolised by the chancellor of the exchequer smiling and holding aloft the famous Red Box outside Number 11.

From BBC