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 approximately 30 lb. trophy is meant to separate so that players can hold the top section aloft.

From Salon

When you rise to power on the wings of fear and anger, you must rely on fear and anger to remain aloft.

From Salon

The former commander in the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades was one of several detainees carried aloft by jubilant supporters through the streets near Ramallah's civic centre.

From BBC

Some of the released prisoners were hoisted aloft by crowds to loud cheers and fireworks after they stepped off buses.

From BBC

His is a score that lifts not only Graham’s dancers aloft with quiet assurance but also the hell-and-brimstone preacher — and the listeners as well.

From Los Angeles Times