buoy

[boo-ee, boi]

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.

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

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of buoy¹

C13: probably of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch boeie, boeye ; see _beacon

Example Sentences

Spanish banking giant Santander reported record profits on Wednesday for the first nine months of 2025, buoyed by strong client growth and a solid performance in its key markets.

Read more on Barron's

Gains in China and Hong Kong were being buoyed by shares of technology companies, which analysts say stand to benefit in particular from a U.S.-China deal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A softer-than-expected inflation reading from the Bureau of Labor Statistics buoyed investor sentiment on Friday.

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A softer-than-expected inflation reading from the Bureau of Labor Statistics buoyed investor sentiment on Friday.

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The Coast Guard decommissioned the St. George Reef Lighthouse in 1975, replacing the grand edifice with a floating, automated buoy light.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beacon