float
verb (used without object)
to rest or remain on the surface of a liquid; be buoyant.
was floating
-
past progressiveof float.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“She was floating downstream, but we don’t know the origin of where she entered the water,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
"It was pasted on a chest that was floating," said Rimal, 44.
From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026
Olivia Nuzzi seemed like she was floating above it all.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
Litter was floating on top of this slow-moving sludge of sewage.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2025
I put it aside and fell asleep and dreamed that I was floating on a river.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
