bell-bouy

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A navigational buoy equipped with a bell: A "bell-buoy" is a floating marker in the sea or a waterway that contains a bell. The bell is typically activated by the motion of the waves, producing sound to warn ships of hazards or to mark a channel.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The ship's captain relied on the bell-buoy to navigate safely through the fog. (The buoy's bell warned of dangerous rocks nearby.)
    • As the waves grew stronger, the bell-buoy began to ring continuously. (The buoy's bell was activated by the rising sea.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to sound like a bell-buoy": to produce a repetitive, clanging sound, often in a rhythmic manner.
    • The old gate creaked and clanked, sounding like a bell-buoy in a storm. (The gate made a noise reminiscent of a warning buoy.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Buoy (n): a floating object anchored in water to mark a location or warn of danger.

    • The red buoy indicated the edge of the shipping lane.

  • Bell-buoy is a compound word combining "bell" (a hollow metal object that rings) and "buoy" (a floating marker). It is always written with a hyphen.

Synonyms
  • Warning buoy: a buoy that signals danger or provides guidance.
  • Sound buoy: a buoy that emits an audible signal, such as a bell, gong, or whistle.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "bell-buoy," as it is a noun.
Related Idioms
  • "Ring like a bell-buoy": to make a loud, clear, ringing sound, especially in a repetitive manner.
    • The alarm clock rang like a bell-buoy, waking everyone in the house. (The clock produced a persistent, clanging sound.)