buoyant

adjective

buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt How to pronounce buoyant (audio)
ˈbü-yənt
: having buoyancy
Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.
: such as
a
: capable of floating
Cork is naturally buoyant.
b
: cheerful, gay
in a buoyant mood
c
: capable of maintaining a satisfactorily high level
a buoyant economy
buoyantly adverb

Examples of buoyant in a Sentence

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air. The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rounded, buoyant, fulfilling, powerful and balanced aromas of limes, gooseberries and guavas, white pears and nectarines. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 The White House appears to have either taken inspiration or refuge from the judge's words - with Leavitt's buoyant announcement the very next day. David Folkenflik, NPR, 26 Feb. 2025 This encapsulates the quality of the 2022 vintage—strikingly balanced with elevated flavor profiles—as well as the beauty of a Saint-Émilion with complex flavors well integrated with buoyant acidity. Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 Or for complex seafood dishes, the mom-and-pop Leche de Tigre Cocina Urbana — a few blocks north — is a buoyant beach party where every plate tastes fresh from the Pacific Coast, with layers of seafood and tropical fruit, cilantro and chile. Freda Moon, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buoyant

Word History

Etymology

see buoy entry 1

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buoyant was in 1578

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buoyant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyant. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

buoyant

adjective
buoy·​ant ˈbȯi-ənt How to pronounce buoyant (audio)
ˈbü-yənt
1
: having buoyancy
especially : capable of floating
2
: being in a happy mood : cheerful
buoyantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on buoyant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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