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View synonyms for

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.


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: , , , , ,

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of buoy1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

When the game with Orange County went to penalty kicks last week, hundreds of fans crowded behind the south goal, which likely intimidated the visitors and buoyed the home team.

From

During lobster season, the Grey Zone is packed with boats and buoys marking the location of their traps.

From

At home, however, the same team is almost as unbeatable as the L.A. fire department, a streak that has buoyed both the Kings and the firefighters.

From

Hess has been buoyed by the overall reaction, however, describing it as "a true party".

From

She will be buoyed by her run to the last sixteen in Indian Wells last month and playing on a surface which "enhances my game style even more".

From

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