buoy

[ boo-ee, boi ]

noun

1. Nautical. a distinctively shaped and marked float, sometimes carrying a signal or signals, anchored to mark a channel, anchorage, navigational hazard, etc., or to provide a mooring place away from the shore.
2. a life buoy.

verb (used with object)

1. to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often followed by up ):

   The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived.

2. Nautical. to mark with a buoy or buoys.
3. to sustain or encourage (often followed by up ):

   Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances.

   Synonyms: nurture, maintain, lighten, boost, uplift, lift

verb (used without object)

1. to float or rise by reason of lightness.

buoy

/ ˈbuːɪ; bɔɪ /

noun

1. a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water See also life buoy

verb

1. trusually foll byup to prevent from sinking

   the belt buoyed him up

2. trusually foll byup to raise the spirits of; hearten
3. tr nautical to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys
4. intr to rise to the surface

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoy¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English boye “a float,” from unattested Middle French boie, boue(e), from Germanic; akin to beacon

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoy¹

C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch boeie, boeye ; see beacon

Example Sentences

Australia, buoyed and making gainline metres, were back within a point after 35 minutes as lively replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott swerved outside George Martin and fed the supporting Wilson for their second try.

From BBC

State workers discovered golden mussels attached to equipment and buoys in the Port of Stockton last month while carrying out routine water quality tests.

From Los Angeles Times

Lurie had the advantage of his family’s vast wealth from the Levi Strauss fortune to buoy his campaign and strengthen his name recognition.

From Los Angeles Times

For the first time this week, they’ll also arrive at the ballpark buoyed by a sudden burst of momentum.

From Los Angeles Times

Californians such as Banuet hoping to buoy Harris’ presidential bid recognize they can have little impact on the race for the White House in the Golden State, given its cobalt-blue tilt.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beacon