buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē 

ˈbü-yən(t)-

1

a

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when submerged in a fluid

testing an object's buoyancy

b

chemistry : the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of water

also : the upward force exerted

2

: the ability to recover quickly from depression or discouragement : resilience

his buoyancy of spirit

3

: the property of maintaining a satisfactorily high level (as of prices or economic activity)

betting that the economy will maintain its buoyancy

Examples of buoyancy in a Sentence

the natural buoyancy of cork

The swimmer is supported by the water's buoyancy.

We hope that the economy will maintain its buoyancy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Changing the way nylon assembles in the molecular stage can transform it from a solidly unyielding material like climbing rope into something with more buoyancy — for instance, a sports bra. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

These reserves are crucial for supporting long-distance movement, as the liver provides both fuel and buoyancy, reducing the energetic cost of swimming. —Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

There will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair. —Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 2026

But thankfully, the team’s hot start has provided enough buoyancy to keep Dallas afloat during a stretch in which the Stars have banked just seven points out of a possible 20 over their last 10 games. —Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē 

ˈbü-yən-

1

: the tendency of a body to float or to rise when in a fluid

the buoyancy of a cork in water

2

: the power of a fluid to put an upward force on a body placed in it

the buoyancy of seawater