bell buoy

a buoy having a bell that is rung by the motion of the buoy.

Origin of bell buoy

First recorded in 1830–40

Some day I hope to hear the poem chanted or sung—with the bell-buoy breaking in, out of the distance.

The Letters Of Mark Twain, Volume 5, 1901-1906 |Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)
"I know it has gone out to the Marazion Bell-buoy," said Dick, with a chuckle.

The Works of Rudyard Kipling: One Volume Edition |Rudyard Kipling
You'll hear the bell-buoy tolling when there's a swell like that.

The Tidal Wave and Other Stories |Ethel May Dell
And from beyond the Spear Point there sounded the deep tolling of the bell-buoy as it rocked on the rising tide.

The Tidal Wave and Other Stories |Ethel May Dell

Had not the bell-buoy been tolling to deaf ears for some time past?

The Tidal Wave and Other Stories |Ethel May Dell

bell buoy

a navigational buoy fitted with a bell, the clapper of which strikes when the waves move the buoy