buoy
buoy Lexical Profile
buoy Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An anchored float used as a navigation mark to show reefs, channels, or other hazards in a body of water.
"The sailors navigated their small vessel carefully around the red buoy marking the shallow reef."
A ring-shaped float designed to prevent a person from drowning; a lifebuoy.
"The lifeguard quickly threw a buoy out to the struggling swimmer."
• verb
To encourage, uplift, or inspire someone, causing them to feel more confident or cheerful.
"Buoyed by the unexpected praise from her manager, she finished the difficult project with renewed energy."
To cause prices, profits, or an economy to remain at a high level or rise.
"The stock market was buoyed by positive economic reports and strong consumer spending."
To keep someone or something afloat in a fluid.
"The thick neoprene wetsuit buoyed him comfortably in the freezing ocean water."
Word Nuance & Usage
Pronunciation differs notably by region: in American English it is typically pronounced /ˈbuːi/ ('boo-ee'), whereas in British English it is traditionally pronounced /bɔɪ/ (rhyming with 'boy').
• Rhymes for buoy
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 13th century, from Old French 'boie' or Middle Dutch 'boeye', likely tracing back to Latin 'boia' (fetter or chain), referring to the heavy chains used to secure the float to the seabed.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.