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
Origin:
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
Origin:
< Sp boyar, to float