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

And their ambiguity is essential to their buoyancy. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 June 2025

Often, the songs that drew on Carner’s darker, more cynical perspective were accentuated with the kind of buoyancy that only a child can stoke. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025

Holder explains that water therapy tends to be helpful because buoyancy reduces stress on the joints and makes muscle training easier. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 20 June 2025

But large mounds cannot remain spherical because gases go up and down in response to buoyancy, and buoyancy breaks the symmetry. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 June 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