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noun

flotsam

FLOT-suhm

Flotsam (noun) means Wreckage or debris found floating on water, especially from a shipwreck. Example: “Pieces of flotsam washed up on the beach after the storm.”

noun
1
Wreckage or debris found floating on water, especially from a shipwreck.
"Pieces of flotsam washed up on the beach after the storm."

How to use flotsam

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFloating wreckage or debris.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
flotsam and jetsam flotsam washed ashore

Word forms

flotsams plural

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Pieces of _____ washed up on the beach after the storm.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman floteson, ultimately related to float, with a Latin-derived ending.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “flotsam” mean?

The word “flotsam” means wreckage or debris found floating on water, especially from a shipwreck. In plain terms, floating wreckage or debris.

How do you pronounce “flotsam”?

“Flotsam” is pronounced FLOT-suhm (/ˈflɑtsəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “flotsam” in a sentence?

Here is “flotsam” used in a sentence: “Pieces of flotsam washed up on the beach after the storm.”

What part of speech is “flotsam”?

“Flotsam” is a noun.

Where does the word “flotsam” come from?

The word “flotsam” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman floteson, ultimately related to float, with a Latin-derived ending.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial