aloft

American  

[uh-lawft, uh-loft] / əˈlɔft, əˈlɒft /

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.

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preposition

1. on or at the top of.

   flags flying aloft the castle.

aloft British  

/ əˈlɒft /

adverb

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

2. nautical in or into the rigging of a vessel

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Etymology

Origin of aloft

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

Example Sentences

Here are some of the supports keeping them aloft.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most Americans think of helium as the gas that holds balloons aloft, but, more important, it is an essential coolant in MRI machines and semiconductor manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Wealthy Americans have been credited with keeping consumer spending aloft over the past few years as general uncertainty spread,” said Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at NerdWallet.

From MarketWatch

It is no wonder the image of Cannavaro holding the trophy aloft at the Olympiastadion now feels like a fever dream to most Italians.

From BBC

Unlike the soft, pliable versions of the Christ child in his early Madonnas, this is a monumental, muscular putto, using his strength to hold that garland aloft.

From The Wall Street Journal