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

The marina harbor has 85 berths for yachts up to 165 feet, while buoys just outside accommodate gigayachts to 550 feet. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024

The city is a blue buoy in the red ocean that is the Lone Star State — two-thirds of El Paso County voters chose Joe Biden in 2020. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

Verb

After a few still-entertaining but slightly off seasons, host Matt Lucas was replaced by Alison Hammond, whose cheerful ebullience has buoyed the vibes in the tent. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Will Kamala Harris emerge the winner in line with recent suggestions of new momentum for her, or will Donald Trump prevail again, buoyed by a large turnout of his MAGA supporters? —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Nov. 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