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

And the “Magnificent Seven” Big Tech stocks that kept the markets aloft this year are celebrating.

From Slate

Tesla’s business is suffering thanks to Musk’s far-right antics, which means he’s more dependent than ever on the federal contracts keeping SpaceX aloft.

From Slate

After handing the reins of power to Claudia Sheinbaum on 1 October, Mexico’s outgoing president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, hoisted her arm aloft in a joint show of victory.

From BBC

The chill creates cold, dense air, which is squeezed from aloft by a high pressure system.

From Los Angeles Times

Benitez and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hold the Champions League trophy aloft after winning the 2005 final, at the end of Benitez's first season in charge.

From BBC