Definition of 'buoy'

Word Frequency

buoy

(bɔɪ , US buːi )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense buoys , present participle buoying , past tense, past participle buoyed

1. countable noun

A buoy is a floating object that is used to show ships and boats where they can go and to warn them of danger.

Synonyms: float, guide, signal, marker More Synonyms of buoy

2. verb

If someone in a difficult situation is buoyed by something, it makes them feel more cheerful and optimistic.

In May they danced in the streets, buoyed by their victory. [be VERB-ed + by]

German domestic consumption buoyed the German economy. [VERB noun]

Buoy up means the same as buoy.

They are buoyed up by a sense of hope. [be VERB-ed PARTICLE]

[Also VERB noun PARTICLE]

Video: pronunciation of
buoy

buoy in British English

(bɔɪ , US English ˈbuːɪ)

noun

a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water

buoy in American English

(ˈbui ; also, and for 5 usually, bɔɪ )

noun

a floating object anchored in a lake, river, etc. to mark a channel, warn of a hazard, etc., variously shaped and colored, and often equipped with a bell or light

a similar but larger and heavier object, usually with a ring on top, to which a ship can be moored

: in full mooring buoy

life buoy

verb transitive

to mark or provide with a buoy

to keep afloat

usually with up

to lift up or keep up in spirits; encourage

usually with up

Word origin

ME < (? via MDu boeie) OFr buie, chain < L boia, fetter (see boy): prob. first applied to the chain anchoring the float

Word Frequency

buoy in American English

(ˈbuːi, bɔi)

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

a life buoy

transitive verb

3. (often fol. by up)

to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking

The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived

4. Nautical

to mark with a buoy or buoys

5. (often fol. by up)

to sustain or encourage

Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances

intransitive verb

to float or rise by reason of lightness

Word origin

[1425–75; late ME boye a float ‹ MF *boie, boue(e) ‹ Gmc; akin to beacon]

Examples of 'buoy' in a sentence
buoy

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Buoyed by his success he became more autocratic.The couple are also buoyed by the outpouring of support they receive from their neighbours.That news buoyed banks and insurers across the board.Good news on the economy has buoyed investor confidence. Prices are also being buoyed by a lack of properties. Mining stocks were also buoyed by rising commodity prices.Business was also buoyed by signs that access to credit is finally improving.Commodities were buoyed by recovery hopes on both sides of the Atlantic.They were also buoyed by the management's belief that prospects beyond next year appear more promising.Stocks are also being buoyed by a wave of mergers, which has boosted sentiment.