- a distinctively shaped and marked float, sometimes carrying a signal or signals, anchored to mark a channel, anchorage, navigational hazard, etc., or to provide a mooring place away from the shore.
- a life buoy.
- to keep afloat or support by or as if by a life buoy; keep from sinking (often followed by up): The life jacket buoyed her up until help arrived.
- to mark with a buoy or buoys.
- to sustain or encourage (often followed by up): Her courage was buoyed by the doctor's assurances.
- to float or rise by reason of lightness.
- a distinctively shaped and coloured float, anchored to the bottom, for designating moorings, navigable channels, or obstructions in a body of water
- to prevent from sinking
- to raise the spirits of; hearten
- to mark (a channel or obstruction) with a buoy or buoys
- to rise to the surface
