Definition

Pieces of waste or debris that float on water, often from a ship or other source.

Example

After the storm, the beach was covered in flotsam from the wrecked boats.

Conversation

Did you see all the flotsam washed up on the beach after the storm?

Yeah, it was surprising how much debris was scattered everywhere.

I wonder where it all came from; some of it looked really old.

Maybe it’s from ships that sunk years ago, still leaving flotsam behind.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Flotsam → The word originates from Middle English 'flotsam', which is derived from the Old French 'flot' (meaning to float) and the suffix '-sam', which is a variant of 'same'. Flotsam refers to goods that are floating on the water, especially after a shipwreck.

Memory Tip

Think of items that are 'floating' ('flot') on the water, which helps you remember that 'flotsam' refers to debris or goods that are found floating.

Visually Confused Words