aloft

[uh-lawft, uh-loft]

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.

preposition

1. on or at the top of.

   flags flying aloft the castle.

aloft

/ əˈlɒft /

adverb

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

2. nautical in or into the rigging of a vessel

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloft¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English o loft, from Old Norse ā lopt “in the air”; equivalent to a- ¹ + loft

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloft¹

C12: from Old Norse ā lopt in the air; see _lift ¹ , _loft

Example Sentences

The country's President Jose Maria Neves was part of the celebrations in the stands, holding aloft a banner detailing Cape Verde's ticket for the 2026 World Cup straight after the full-time whistle sounded.

Read more on BBC

A second, larger model arch sat on the desk, on which details could be seen more clearly, including a winged golden angel holding aloft a torch, flanked by two white eagles on either side.

Read more on Barron's

After the final whistle three years on, Aldcroft was holding aloft the World Cup in triumph.

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Drivers and cyclists held their phones aloft trying their best to capture the scene.

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Her resultant style, of both dress and music, is edging and transcendent, aloft and full of momentum.

Read more on Los Angeles Times