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

Two of the motors are used for propulsion while in surface cleaning mode, and two are used to regulate buoyancy. —PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2025

The White House has since announced a deal with Japan, and continued buoyancy in the market suggests that investors believe more rollbacks and carve outs are to come. —Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 24 July 2025

And Shankar Ehsaan Loy’s effervescent title track adds buoyancy to the narrative. —Anupama Chopra, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025

In some cases, these bubbles can accumulate lowering the density of the melt and increasing buoyancy, violently driving the magma to the surface and fueling explosive eruptions. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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