flo·tage noun alsofloat·age\ˈflōd.]ij, -ōt], ]ēj\ (-s) Etymology:flotage alteration of floatage; floatage from float (II) + -age 1.: the act or state of floating : ability to float 2.: material that floats on the sea or on bodies of fresh water : flotsam 3.usually floatage: the charge for transferring railroad cars on a car float