Plain English Meaning

Up in the air, off the ground. When something is aloft, it is flying or floating above the surface rather than sitting on the ground.

Full Definition

In the air; at altitude above the surface of the earth. In aviation usage, 'aloft' refers to anything operating, occurring, or existing in the airspace above the ground, typically in the context of aircraft in flight or atmospheric conditions at altitude.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight and weather discussions, especially in phrases like “winds aloft” or when describing what happens after takeoff.

Derivation

From the Old Norse 'a lopt,' meaning 'in the air' or 'on high.' Originally a nautical term used by sailors to mean 'up in the rigging' above the . Aviation borrowed the word naturally — what was once 'up in the sails' became 'up in the air.'