buoy Definition
buoy (bo̵̅o̅′ē; also, and for v. 3 usually, bo̵i)
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
- life buoy
Etymology: ME < (? via MDu boeie) OFr buie, chain < L boia, fetter (see boy): prob. first applied to the chain anchoring the float
transitive verb
- 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
Etymology: < Sp boyar, to float
buoy Synonyms
buoy
n.
buoy Usage Examples
Object
- channel: We then started really dodging about, through lakes with buoyed channels, which are interconnected by short cuts.
- line: The buoy line is attached at the point where the forward section of the ship has broken from the bow.
- operation: MCA said that a surveyor had investigated the safety of the buoy recovery operations on ' Vessel X ' .
Converse of object
drift: The group has always been involved in the development of drifting buoys.
Subject
- victory: Buoyed by the home victory against Arsenal seven days earlier, Allardyce opted not to make any chances to his starting line-up.
- success: Buoyed by the success of the operating system, the company was floated in 1986, raising $ 61 million.
Converse of subject
mark: The zones for swimming and the zones for water sports are clearly marked by buoys.
Adjective modifier
- navigational: Worse still, a navigational buoy had been moved and the requisite chart corrections were lacking.
- floating: Vega LED Beacons are factory sealed for life, and are ideal for use on floating buoys or at fixed sites.
- yellow: The yellow buoy can be seen in the center of the picture.
Modifying Another Word
- on: The net floats above the wreck somewhat on buoys, but is tight and so fairly safe.
- around: St Malo fades, we zig-zag around buoys & lighthouses to the open sea.
Followed by an intransitive particle
- along: However, the teaching in the faculty was superb and I just seemed to get buoyed along by the current.
- up: The eternal city appeared to be floating in mid air, buoyed up on an ethereal orange haze.
Used with why or when
- that: We found a diminutive bottle buoy that helped us to find the wreck.
- when: Look for buoys when you are nearly on top of them.
Present participle complement
mark: The buoy marking it had drifted away in the storm.
Noun used with modifier
marker: A well equipped craft providing vigilant surface cover and ready to recall divers or follow marker buoys is essential.
Preposition: by
Browse dictionary entries near buoy
- ‹ Buonarroti
- ‹ Buonaparte
- ‹ buon giorno
- ‹ Bunyan
- ‹ bunya-bunya
- ‹ buntline
- ‹ bunting
- ‹ bunt
- ‹ Bunsen burner
- ‹ Bunsen

