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

That sudden buoyancy can sometimes carry dust into the air. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

With no swim bladder to regulate buoyancy—a structure that would collapse under such extreme pressure—the blobfish relies on its low-density, fatty tissue to hover effortlessly above the seafloor. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

This, in turn, causes gases to gather there, which throws the turtle’s buoyancy out of balance. —Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2024

The buoyancy of that 4-0 win over Everton, when Rashford and Zirkzee each scored twice, has popped, and so much about United right now feels like a tightrope walk. —Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

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