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
There will be those moments when the buoyancy of hope will be transformed into the fatigue of despair.
—
Lydia Price, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Madcap ad-libs, tumbling drum fills, and billowing melodies suggest vitality and flowing water, bringing a disorienting air of buoyancy to curiosities about the end of existence.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
This unique mechanism is complemented by an oily liver which allows the goblin shark to float with near-neutral buoyancy.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
That sudden buoyancy can sometimes carry dust into the air.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for buoyancy 
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Lydia Price, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
Madcap ad-libs, tumbling drum fills, and billowing melodies suggest vitality and flowing water, bringing a disorienting air of buoyancy to curiosities about the end of existence.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025
This unique mechanism is complemented by an oily liver which allows the goblin shark to float with near-neutral buoyancy.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
That sudden buoyancy can sometimes carry dust into the air.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for buoyancy
Dictionary Entries Near buoyancy
Cite this Entry
“Buoyancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buoyancy. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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
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