buoy Hear it!

buoy Definition

buoy (bo̵̅o̅ē; also, and for v. 3 usually, bo̵i)

noun

    1. 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
    2. a similar but larger and heavier object, usually with a ring on top, to which a ship can be moored
  1. 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

  1. to mark or provide with a buoy
  2. to keep afloat: usually with up
  3. to lift up or keep up in spirits; encourage: usually with up

Etymology: < Sp boyar, to float

buoy Synonyms

buoy

n.

float, drift, floating marker; see float 1.

Types of buoys include: bell, can, life, nun, light, whistling.

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

  • 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.

Browse dictionary entries near buoy

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  2. Buonaparte
  3. buon giorno
  4. Bunyan
  5. bunya-bunya
  6. buntline
  7. bunting
  8. bunt
  9. Bunsen burner
  10. Bunsen
  1. buoy (up)
  2. buoyancy
  3. buoyant
  4. buppie
  5. buprestid
  6. bur
  7. bur marigold
  8. bur oak
  9. bur reed
  10. buran