Bouy vs. Buoy: The Correct Spellings

A mnemonic to remember "buoy" is to think of the phrase "Better Underwater Yacht" as an abbreviation. B.U.Y can help you recall that it starts with a "b," follows with a "u," and ends with a "y."

The incorrect spelling "bouy" likely emerges from misinterpretations of the word's pronunciation or from general misspellings.

Between "bouy" and "buoy," the correct word is "buoy." The word "buoy" is derived from the Middle French word "buie," meaning a chain, fetter, or shackle, and from Old French "boie," signifying a leather collar or fetter. The evolution of the word's meaning has its roots in the notion of being bound to a particular spot, much like how a buoy is anchored to one spot in the water.

Incorrect: Divers placed a bouy to mark the dive site.

Correct: Divers placed a buoy to mark the dive site.

Incorrect: A bouy marks the entrance to the harbor.

Correct: A buoy marks the entrance to the harbor.

Incorrect: She used a bouy as a makeshift anchor.

Correct: She used a buoy as a makeshift anchor.

Incorrect: The bouy was visible despite the fog.

Correct: The buoy was visible despite the fog.

Incorrect: The fisherman attached his net to a bouy.

Correct: The fisherman attached his net to a buoy.

A floating object anchored in water to mark a location or hazard.

A life buoy used for saving lives at sea.

To hearten or uplift, especially during difficult times.

To keep afloat or prevent from sinking.

An indicator or guide in matters of finance or economics.

A float placed in water and usually moored, as to mark a location, enable retrieval of a sunken object, or record oceanographic data.

A life buoy.

To keep afloat or aloft

To maintain at a high level; support

To hearten or inspire; uplift

To mark with or as if with a buoy.

(nautical) A float moored in water to mark a location, warn of danger, indicate a navigational channel or for other purposes

A life-buoy; a life preserver.

(transitive) To keep afloat or aloft; used with up.

(transitive) To support or maintain at a high level.

(transitive) To mark with a buoy.

To maintain or enhance enthusiasm or confidence; to lift the spirits of.

A float; esp. a floating object moored to the bottom, to mark a channel or to point out the position of something beneath the water, as an anchor, shoal, rock, etc.

To keep from sinking in a fluid, as in water or air; to keep afloat; - with up.

To support or sustain; to preserve from sinking into ruin or despondency.

To fix buoys to; to mark by a buoy or by buoys; as, to buoy an anchor; to buoy or buoy off a channel.

To float; to rise like a buoy.

bright-colored; a float attached by rope to the seabed to mark channels in a harbor or underwater hazards

float on the surface of water

keep afloat;

mark with a buoy

The storm was so strong it ripped the buoy from its mooring.

A weather buoy collects data on ocean conditions and transmits it to scientists.

They attached a light to the buoy to make it visible at night.

The buoy floated on the surface of the water, marking the safe channel for boats.

Swimmers were advised to stay within the buoy-marked safe swimming area.

The buoy system helps sailors navigate through treacherous waters.

A wave energy buoy converts the movement of the sea into electricity.

A sonobuoy is used by the navy to detect submarines.

The buoy marked the location of a sunken ship for divers.

The crew dropped anchor near a buoy to stay in position.

The buoy was equipped with a solar panel to power its light and sensors.

A tsunami warning buoy detects sudden changes in sea level.

To keep something or someone afloat; also used metaphorically to mean support or uplift.

In American English, "buoy" is pronounced as "boo-ee."

A buoy is typically used to mark specific locations in water or indicate hazards.

The correct spelling is "buoy."

The misspelling "bouy" might arise from misinterpretation of the pronunciation or general mistakes in writing.

The word "buoy" has roots in Middle French "buie" and Old French "boie."

Yes, "buoyancy" refers to the ability to float, derived from "buoy."

While both are navigational aids, a buoy floats on water, whereas a beacon is a fixed light or signal.

Yes, as in "His encouragement buoyed her spirits."

There are various types, including channel buoys, mooring buoys, and danger buoys.

Many languages have adopted or adapted the term, though its spelling and pronunciation may vary.