1. A buoy equipped with a bell that rings when struck by waves, used as a navigational aid to warn ships of hazards.
Usage: nautical; also written as bell buoy (two words)

Examples

• The bellbuoy's ringing sound guided the ship safely through the rocky channel.
• Sailors relied on the bellbuoy to navigate the treacherous waters near the reef.
• The bellbuoy was anchored at the entrance to the harbor to warn incoming vessels.
• As the storm intensified, the bellbuoy clanged loudly in the rough seas.
• The coast guard maintained several bellbuoys along the dangerous coastline.