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

With attention to texture and color for accent and buoyancy, Michael and his designer have created an evocative environment for this story to play out in. —Jeffrey Seller, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025

In the data, there's still some buoyancy for the president. —CBS News, 30 Mar. 2025

The markets began last week with some buoyancy, with investors thinking that the tariffs Trump plans to announce on Wednesday wouldn’t be as high or sweeping as initially thought. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

For delicate creatures such as jellyfish and siphonophores – gelatinous animals that can grow over 100 feet long – sediment accumulation can interfere with buoyancy and survival. —Alexus Cazares-Nuesser, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 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