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bouée

buoy

noun boo-EH Rare

Also means

rubber ring (swimming aid)

Usage Note

Bouée covers both the nautical marker anchored at sea and the inflatable ring used by children learning to swim (bouée de natation). The phrase bouée de sauvetage (life buoy) is also used figuratively for anything that saves someone in a difficult situation — much like English 'lifeline'. The final e is pronounced, making it two syllables.

Examples

"La bouee indique l'entree du port."

Natural Translation

The buoy marks the entrance to the harbour.

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