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 double-decker configuration also places more fuselage volume below the waterline, potentially improving buoyancy in the event of a water landing.
—
David Szondy
february 10, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Reviewing skills such as air management, buoyancy control and emergency procedures can reduce stress and fatigue during dives.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Changing the way nylon assembles in the molecular stage can transform it from a solidly unyielding material like climbing rope into something with more buoyancy — for instance, a sports bra.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
These reserves are crucial for supporting long-distance movement, as the liver provides both fuel and buoyancy, reducing the energetic cost of swimming.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buoyancy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Szondy
february 10, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2026
Reviewing skills such as air management, buoyancy control and emergency procedures can reduce stress and fatigue during dives.
—Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Changing the way nylon assembles in the molecular stage can transform it from a solidly unyielding material like climbing rope into something with more buoyancy — for instance, a sports bra.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
These reserves are crucial for supporting long-distance movement, as the liver provides both fuel and buoyancy, reducing the energetic cost of swimming.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for buoyancy
Cite this Entry
“Buoyancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyancy. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
