There are 148,000 search results on Bing for the misspelling 'Bouy'. 'Bouy' ranks in the top 120 of most common errors caught by TripleChecker, with at least 81 websites containing this mistake.¹
'Buoy' can function as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a floating marker used to indicate navigational features or hazards in water. As a verb, it means to keep something afloat or to support or encourage someone emotionally.
Buoy
The word 'buoy' originates from the Middle English word "boye," which itself comes from the Old French word "boie," meaning a float or a buoy. This term is ultimately derived from the Latin word "buxis," meaning boxwood, which refers to the wood used for making floats.
The word 'buoy' is pronounced as "boo-ee." Alternatively, it can also be pronounced as "boy."
The word 'buoy' can be used in a sentence like, "The sailor threw a buoy into the water to mark the location of the submerged rocks." Caveats for correct spelling and usage include ensuring it is not confused with 'boy,' which has a different meaning, and being mindful that 'buoy' is pronounced as "boo-ee," which can lead to mispronunciation if one assumes it follows standard English phonetic rules.