buzz
buhz
Buzz (noun) means a continuous humming sound, like that of an insect or low conversation. Example: “We heard the low buzz of a bee against the window glass.”
noun
1
A continuous humming sound, like that of an insect or low conversation.
"We heard the low buzz of a bee against the window glass."
"A steady buzz of chatter filled the café at lunchtime."
"The buzz of the fluorescent lights was giving her a headache."
2
Excited public interest or gossip about something.
"The surprise guest announcement created a real buzz among fans before the first song."
"There's a lot of buzz around the new phone launch."
"The film generated buzz online months before release."
3
A feeling of mild excitement or intoxication.
"After the coffee and a brisk walk, she felt a pleasant buzz of energy."
"Winning the quiz gave him a happy buzz that lasted all evening."
"One glass of wine gave her a nice little buzz."
verb
1
To make a continuous humming sound.
"The old fridge buzzed loudly in the corner all night."
"Bees buzzed from flower to flower in the sunny garden."
"A fly buzzed around the kitchen all afternoon."
2
To contact someone quickly by phone or intercom.
"Just buzz me from the front desk when your guest arrives."
"She buzzed the receptionist to say the meeting would start late."
"I'll buzz you when I'm outside."
How to use buzz
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA humming sound, excited chatter about something, or a light rush of energy.
Common pairings
create a buzz
get a buzz from
buzz around
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Word forms
- Plural
- buzzes
- Third person singular
- buzzes
- Past tense
- buzzed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We heard the low _____ of a bee against the window glass.
Etymology
An imitative word — it simply mimics the humming sound bees and insects make.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for buzz
See all rhymes for buzz →Frequently asked questions
What does “buzz” mean?
The word “buzz” means a continuous humming sound, like that of an insect or low conversation. In plain terms, a humming sound, excited chatter about something, or a light rush of energy.
How do you pronounce “buzz”?
“Buzz” is pronounced buhz (/bʌz/ in IPA).
How do you use “buzz” in a sentence?
Here is “buzz” used in a sentence: “The buzz of the fluorescent lights was giving her a headache.”
What part of speech is “buzz”?
Depending on how it is used, “buzz” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “buzz” a common word?
“Buzz” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “buzz” have?
“Buzz” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a continuous humming sound, like that of an insect or low conversation.
What is the difference between buzz and hum?
Both words describe continuous low sounds, but a buzz is sharper and more vibrating, like an insect's wings or an electric doorbell, while a hum is smoother and softer, like a distant engine. The sound of low conversation in a room can be called either, though "buzz" suggests more energy and excitement.
Is buzz formal or informal?
When it refers to a humming sound, buzz is a neutral word suitable for any context. Its extended senses — excited public interest, or a feeling of mild excitement or intoxication — are informal and best kept to casual speech and writing.
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