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

The titanium carries the load and provides strength, while the foam provides buoyancy. — New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

The company did not publish comparative data on buoyancy, deployment time or field performance between the two generations. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

One thing new snorkelers might not realize is the level of buoyancy that a wetsuit gives you. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

But floating platforms must balance electrical generation with structural strength, buoyancy, corrosion resistance and long-term reliability. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 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