buoy

1 of 2

noun

ˈbü-ē  ˈbȯi 

1

: float sense 2

especially, nautical : a floating object moored to the bottom to mark a channel or something (such as a shoal) lying under the water

swam out toward the buoy

2

: life buoy

Illustration of buoy

• buoy 1

buoy

2 of 2

verb

buoyed; buoying; buoys

transitive verb

1

: to mark by or as if by a float or buoy

buoy an anchor

2

a

: to keep afloat

a raft buoyed by empty oil drums

b

: support, uplift

an economy buoyed by the dramatic postwar growth of industry

—Time

3

: to raise the spirits of

—usually used with up

hope buoys him up

intransitive verb

: float

—usually used with up

They buoyed up like a cork.

Examples of buoy in a Sentence

Verb

The tax breaks should help to buoy the economy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Read Next World Whale tangled in buoys off Australia is rescued during ‘delicate’ mission, video shows June 14, 2024 1:36 PM Read Next World Pod of orcas travels 170 miles in just over one day, surprising experts. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 18 June 2024

The federal government has sued Texas over the issue, including one lawsuit challenging the state's right to deploy buoy barriers. —Rick Jervis, The Courier-Journal, 31 May 2024

Verb

Benzinga Major tech stocks led the U.S. stock market’s rebound this past week, buoyed by investor optimism surrounding advancements in artificial intelligence and strong consumer demand. —Detroit Free Press, 11 June 2024

There’s the resurgence of shops and restaurants along Pratt Street, buoyed by the city’s Hart Lift storefront revitalization grant program, funded by city pandemic relief funds. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle English boye, probably from Middle Dutch boeye; akin to Old High German bouhhan sign — more at beacon

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1596, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing buoy

• bell buoy
• breeches buoy
• life buoy

Kids Definition

buoy

1 of 2 noun

ˈbü-ē  ˈbȯi 

1

: a floating object anchored in a body of water to mark a channel or warn of danger

2

: life buoy

buoy

2 of 2 verb

1

: to keep from sinking : keep afloat

2

: to brighten the mood of

the news buoyed him up