noun
buoyancy
BOY-uhn-see
Buoyancy (noun) means the upward force that lets an object float or feel lighter in a liquid or gas. Example: “A life jacket adds buoyancy so a swimmer stays afloat.”
noun
1
The upward force that lets an object float or feel lighter in a liquid or gas.
"A life jacket adds buoyancy so a swimmer stays afloat."
2
A cheerful, resilient mood or lively confidence.
"Despite the setback, she kept a natural buoyancy."
How to use buoyancy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe physical ability to float, or a figurative sense of high spirits.
Common pairings
positive buoyancy
natural buoyancy
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like buoyancy.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- buoyancies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A life jacket adds _____ so a swimmer stays afloat.
Etymology
Formed from "buoyant" plus the noun ending "-cy".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for buoyancy
See all rhymes for buoyancy →Frequently asked questions
What does “buoyancy” mean?
The word “buoyancy” means the upward force that lets an object float or feel lighter in a liquid or gas. In plain terms, the physical ability to float, or a figurative sense of high spirits.
How do you pronounce “buoyancy”?
“Buoyancy” is pronounced BOY-uhn-see (/ˈbɔɪ.ən.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “buoyancy” in a sentence?
Here is “buoyancy” used in a sentence: “A life jacket adds buoyancy so a swimmer stays afloat.”
What part of speech is “buoyancy”?
“Buoyancy” is a noun.
How many meanings does “buoyancy” have?
“Buoyancy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the upward force that lets an object float or feel lighter in a liquid or gas.
