buoy

1 of 2

noun

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

Illustration of 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 industryTime
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Once buoys are removed, an area is no longer designated as a swim area, DNR said in a release, and anyone entering the water should use caution. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The rescuers then deployed a large buoy to allow closer access for cutting the lines. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Federal Open Market Committee cut interest rates by a fourth of a percent earlier this month to buoy a slowing labor market. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 Broder Kurland was buoyed by the growth of network television in the late 1970s and into the 1990s. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buoy

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of buoy was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoy. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

buoy

1 of 2 noun
1
: a floating object anchored in a body of water to mark a channel or warn of danger
2

buoy

2 of 2 verb
1
: to keep from sinking : keep afloat
2
: to brighten the mood of
the news buoyed him up

More from Merriam-Webster on buoy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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