bell buoy

noun

, Nautical.

1. a buoy having a bell that is rung by the motion of the buoy.

bell buoy

noun

1. a navigational buoy fitted with a bell, the clapper of which strikes when the waves move the buoy

Word History and Origins

Origin of bell buoy¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Presently the major, booming away like a bell buoy, became aware that his audience had dwindled.

From Project Gutenberg

But he could feel it emerging from the mist just as a pilot sights the bell-buoy that marks his changing channel.

From Project Gutenberg

Far off, mournfully the bell-buoy sent in its blur of musical tolling across the moving sea-floor.

From Project Gutenberg

The dogged booming of a gun from a shore battery sounded lonely and remote as a bell buoy.

From Project Gutenberg

The bell buoy still clanging its message, now a false message indeed, was drifting out to sea.

From Project Gutenberg