What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bobber
Example
He attached a bobber to his fishing line to help him know when a fish was biting. [bobber: noun]
Example
The bobber bobbed up and down in the water, indicating that there was some activity on the line. [bobber: verb]
buoy
Example
The sailors relied on the buoys to navigate safely through the harbor. [buoys: noun]
Example
They used buoys to mark the boundaries of the swimming area. [buoys: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buoy is more commonly used than bobber in everyday language. Buoy is a versatile term that is widely recognized and used in maritime activities, navigation, and water management. On the other hand, bobber is a more specialized term primarily used in fishing contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bobber and buoy?
Both bobber and buoy are generally informal terms. However, buoy can also be used in formal contexts related to maritime activities, whereas bobber is mainly used in casual conversations or discussions about fishing.