Buoys are a common sight in the water, but what exactly are they? Buoys are floating devices that are used to mark locations in the water. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used for a number of different purposes.
Definitions
Buoys are defined as floating objects that are anchored in a body of water. They are used to mark channels, warn of hazards, and provide navigational aids for boats and ships.
Origin
The word “buoy” comes from the Old French word “buie,” which means “a float.” The first buoys were made of wood and were used to mark shallow waters and warn ships of danger.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a buoy is “a floating object anchored in a body of water to mark a channel or to warn of danger.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a buoy as “a floating marker used to indicate a position on a navigational chart.”
Associations
Buoys are often associated with the sea and with navigation. They are also associated with safety, as they are used to warn of hazards and mark safe channels for boats and ships.
Synonyms
Synonyms for buoys include floats, markers, and beacons.
Antonyms
Antonyms for buoys include anchors and weights.
The same root words
The same root words as buoys include buoyancy, buoyant, and buoyed.
Example Sentences
- The buoy marked the safe channel for the boat to navigate.
- The buoy warned of dangerous rocks ahead.
- The fishermen used buoys to mark their fishing lines.
- The coast guard placed buoys around the sunken ship to warn other boats of the hazard.
- The buoyancy of the device allowed it to float on the surface of the water.