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

Explanation

A buoy is a floating marker that indicates the presence of underwater hazards, channels, or places for tying up boats. When buoy is a verb, it can mean to float like a buoy, literally or figuratively. Winning an award could buoy your spirits as if you are floating with pride. The verb buoy can mean "boost or increase." There aren't many things that will buoy your confidence as much as repeated compliments on how great your new haircut looks. Imagine seeing water buoy up an enormous swan, or the wind buoy up a kite. A more figurative meaning of buoy is to cheer or lift someone's spirits. One way to remember buoy's unusual spelling is the phrase, "Boats usually opt to steer around a buoy."

Example Sentences

It also made the public aware of GLP-1 pills while helping buoy Novo’s struggling stock.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

“A speedy resolution to the conflict with Iran leading to a quick drop in gasoline prices and a rebound in the stock market would likely buoy consumer sentiment,” said Faucher.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

For the second consecutive game, Bronny helped buoy the Lakers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

That could buoy those who fear the BBC is in managed decline, buffetted by forces mainly outside its control.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Then he stood again in the stern of the Islander, square-knotted his buoy bag line to his net line, and released the brake on the net drum.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• beacon