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

Instead, the robot uses conventional buoyancy while its four legs provide propulsion and maneuverability. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Blowing bubbles allows the sperm whales to control their buoyancy, the researchers argue. — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

Four buckets of algae are anchored at each of the four corners to help the quilt maintain buoyancy. — Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 21 July 2026

The water has more than 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt, creating more buoyancy than the Dead Sea, but without curing your skin to jerky. — Tim Neville, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 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