floatfloat1 /fləʊtfloʊt/ verb1[intransitiveI, transitiveT]FINANCE to sell new shares, bonds etc on a financial marketTo finance the expansion, the airport has floated $30 billion in bonds, which should cover 75% of construction costs.
2float a company on the stockmarketFINANCE to sell shares in a company on a stockmarket for the first timeThe price of the company’s shares on the day it floated on the stock market beat all expectations.
3[intransitiveI, transitiveT]FINANCE if the government of a country floats its currency, or if the currency floats, its value is allowed to change in relation to other currencies after a period of time when it has been fixedHe had been responsible for sweeping economic reforms, including floating the Australian dollar and deregulating the financial system.
4[intransitiveI]FINANCE if a price, amount etc floats, it moves up or down slowlyThe oil market let crude prices float lower.
Throughout the 1970s, the stock and bond markets floated up.
→ see also float a cheque under cheque