Lifebuoy: meaning, definitions and examples

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lifebuoy

 

[ ˈlaɪfˌbɔɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

safety equipment

A lifebuoy is a floating device designed to save someone from drowning in water. It is usually a ring-shaped buoy made of foam or other buoyant material. Lifebuoys are commonly found on boats, beaches, and swimming pools.

Synonyms

floatation device, life preserver, life ring.

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Word Description / Examples
lifebuoy

Used commonly in British English to refer to a ring-shaped flotation device that is thrown to someone in water to help prevent drowning.

  • The lifeguard threw the lifebuoy to the swimmer in trouble.
  • There is a red lifebuoy next to the pool for emergencies.
life preserver

Mainly used in American English to refer to any device designed to keep a person afloat in water. This term can cover life jackets and lifebuoys.

  • All maritime vessels are required by law to carry life preservers.
  • He quickly grabbed a life preserver and jumped into the water to save the child.
life ring

Similar in meaning to 'lifebuoy', specifically referring to the ring-shaped flotation device. Often used in both British and American English.

  • The life ring was easily accessible in case of an emergency.
  • Quickly! Throw the life ring to him!
floatation device

This is a general term for any equipment used to help keep someone afloat in the water. It can include life jackets, lifebuoys, or other similar devices.

  • Make sure each person wears a flotation device while on the boat.
  • Kayakers should have a flotation device on board.

Examples of usage

  • The lifeguard threw the lifebuoy to the struggling swimmer.
  • When sailing, it's important to have a lifebuoy on board in case of emergencies.

Translations

Translations of the word "lifebuoy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bóia de salvamento

🇮🇳 जीवन रक्षक यंत्र

🇩🇪 Rettungsring

🇮🇩 pelampung keselamatan

🇺🇦 рятувальний круг

🇵🇱 koło ratunkowe

🇯🇵 救命ブイ

🇫🇷 bouée de sauvetage

🇪🇸 salvavidas

🇹🇷 can simidi

🇰🇷 구명부표

🇸🇦 طوق النجاة

🇨🇿 záchranný kruh

🇸🇰 záchranný kruh

🇨🇳 救生圈

🇸🇮 rešilni obroč

🇮🇸 björgunarhringur

🇰🇿 құтқару шеңбері

🇬🇪 საფეხბურთო რგოლი

🇦🇿 həyat halqası

🇲🇽 salvavidas

Etymology

The word 'lifebuoy' originated in the 17th century, combining 'life' and 'buoy'. The concept of life-saving devices at sea has been around for centuries, but the modern lifebuoy as we know it today was developed in the 19th century. It has since become a standard safety measure on water vessels and beaches around the world.

See also: afterlife, alive, life, lifeless, lifelessly, lifelessness, lifeline, lifelong, lifemode, lifesaver, lifespan, lifestyle, lifetime, lifeway.