Phrase guide

life buoy

noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A buoyant object (most commonly torus-shaped) that is used as a life-saving device by keeping a person afloat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: life preserver, life ring, lifesaver, safety buoy

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Something that rescues one from difficulties.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

a life preserver in the form of a ring of buoyant material

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: lifesaver, life belt, life ring

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: life preserver, preserver, flotation device

Narrower terms: breeches buoy

History

Etymology

From life + buoy.