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

By observing its buoyancy and adaptability in a real-world setting, the team aims to prove the RoboBall can navigate a wider range of environments than its wheeled or legged counterparts. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2025

In each case, winds were generally below Red Flag Warning criteria, yet the extreme heat combined with buoyancy greatly offset the sub-marginal wind to create explosive fire behavior and the growth of large fires. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025

Exclusive treatments designed to complement the circuit include cryotherapy with sea oil and aloe, a sea mud shaping treatment, and a thalasso massage, conducted in the circuit’s third pool, whose buoyancy optimizes the experience. —Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

This bed also boasts top-notch buoyancy. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 8 Aug. 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