buoy

American  

[boo-ee, boi] / ˈbu i, bɔɪ /

noun

1. Nautical. a distinctively shaped and marked float, sometimes carrying a signal or signals, anchored to mark a channel, anchorage, navigational hazard, etc., or to provide a mooring place away from the shore.

2. a life buoy.

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verb (used with object)

1. to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often followed byup ).

   The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived.

2. Nautical. to mark with a buoy or buoys.

3. to sustain or encourage (often followed byup ).

   Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances.

   Synonyms:

   nurture, maintain, lighten, boost, uplift, lift

verb (used without object)

1. to float or rise by reason of lightness.

buoy British  

/ ˈbuːɪ, bɔɪ /

noun

1. a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water See also life buoy

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verb

1. to prevent from sinking

   the belt buoyed him up

2. to raise the spirits of; hearten

3. (tr) nautical to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys

4. (intr) to rise to the surface

Etymology

Origin of buoy

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English boye “a float,” from unattested Middle French boie, boue(e), from Germanic; akin to beacon

Example Sentences

From a situation where the rising AI tide was lifting all boats, now it’s buoying some tech stocks while leaving others stranded.

From Barron's

The stock has risen 18% in 2026, buoyed in part by an endorsement from Michael Burry, whose bet against the housing market in the 2000s was chronicled in The Big Short book and movie.

From Barron's

She flew there, twenty-three feet up in the sky, the wind buoying her, her feet pointed behind.

From Literature

The researchers showed that multiple tubes can be connected to form rafts, which could serve as the foundation for ships, buoys, or floating platforms.

From Science Daily

"It has helped buoy the feeling with staff that there is a lot of kindness out there."

From BBC

Related Words

• beacon