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 buoys did the work for them. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025

The Tension Buoy is built around a compact winch mechanism positioned at the top of the buoy. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025

Verb

His free-throw stroke looked good, buoyed by sinking all but two of his eight attempts. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025

There’s a buoying optimism in their organizing principles, and pieces like this one about the pioneer hip-hop journalist behind NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are rigorous, fun scoops. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for buoy

• chewy
• dewy
• gooey
• ennui

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