plural buoys
: an object that floats on water in a lake, bay, river, etc., to show areas that are safe or dangerous for boats
buoys; buoyed; buoying
1
: to cause (someone) to feel happy or confident
—usually used as (be) buoyed
Buoyed by the success of her first novel, she began work on a second.
—often + upHe felt buoyed up by the support and encouragement of his friends and family.
2
: to lift or improve (something)
The tax breaks should help to buoy the economy.
—usually used as (be) buoyedHis spirits were buoyed [=uplifted, raised] by the good news.
—often + upThe falling leaf was buoyed up by a current of air.
Cite this Entry
“Buoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/buoy. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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