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 purposeful kicks counter her body’s buoyancy, bringing her down to about 30 feet, then to neutral buoyancy for 10 more feet, and, finally, to negative buoyancy—or freefall, sinking—below 50 to 60 feet. —Stella Fong, Outside, 10 Mar. 2026

This holds tanks largely filled with fresh water to maintain the platform’s buoyancy in the salty ocean. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Mar. 2026

From the outset, Euphonic Sounds presents itself as a spinning teacup ride, owing as much to Ragger’s gonzo instrumentation as the music’s natural buoyancy. —Aly Eleanor, Pitchfork, 19 Feb. 2026

The ensemble’s playful insouciance maintains the production’s buoyancy. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 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