buoy
1buoy
noun \ˈbü-ē, ˈbȯi\Definition of BUOY
1
: float 2; especially : a floating object moored to the bottom to mark a channel or something (as a shoal) lying under the water
2
Origin of BUOY
Middle English boye, probably from Middle Dutch boeye; akin to Old High German bouhhan sign — more at beacon
First Known Use: 13th century
2buoy
verbDefinition of BUOY
transitive verb
1
: to mark by or as if by a buoy
2
3
: to raise the spirits of —usually used with up <hope buoys him up>
intransitive verb
: float —usually used with up
Examples of BUOY
- The tax breaks should help to buoy the economy.
First Known Use of BUOY
1596
Learn More About BUOY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: buoyage
Previous Word in the Dictionary: buon fresco
All Words Near: buoy
Previous Word in the Dictionary: buon fresco
All Words Near: buoy
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up buoy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


See 








