buoyancy

noun

buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce buoyancy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emerging market economies saw some buoyancy likely because trade was bolstered by a front-loading of orders by American companies. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025 The new tariffs are adding to the inflationary pressures and post-pandemic buoyancy that have already driven retail prices sky-high. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2025 With little buoyancy and a heavier-than-usual load, moving dynamically through the current was difficult. Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 13 Sep. 2025 By observing its buoyancy and adaptability in a real-world setting, the team aims to prove the RoboBall can navigate a wider range of environments than its wheeled or legged counterparts. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buoyancy

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of buoyancy was in 1713

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buoyancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyancy. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

buoyancy

noun
buoy·​an·​cy ˈbȯi-ən-sē How to pronounce buoyancy (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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