noun

vuvuzela

voo-voo-ZAY-luh

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Vuvuzela (noun) means a trumpet-shaped horn, usually made of plastic, that makes a loud buzzing sound. Example: “Fans blew their vuvuzelas throughout the match, drowning out the commentary.”

noun

A trumpet-shaped horn, usually made of plastic, that makes a loud buzzing sound.

"Fans blew their vuvuzelas throughout the match, drowning out the commentary."

"She bought a bright yellow vuvuzela as a souvenir from the stadium."

"The constant drone of vuvuzelas became the sound most people remember from that tournament."

How to use vuvuzela

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA vuvuzela is that loud plastic horn people blow at football matches.

When to use it

It is a concrete, everyday noun with no formal or technical restriction on its use.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the third syllable, so say it voo-voo-ZAY-luh rather than evening out the stress.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

blow a vuvuzela the drone of vuvuzelas a plastic vuvuzela

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “vuvuzela” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Fans blew their _____ throughout the match, drowning out the commentary.

Etymology

The word comes from Zulu vuvuzela, meaning to make a vu-vu noise, taken from the buzzing sound the horn itself makes.

Origin: Zulu

Synonyms

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stadium horn stadium trumpet

Rhymes for vuvuzela

Ela Lela Bela Adela Leela Teela abuela Angela Pamela Sheela favela Daniela

See all rhymes for vuvuzela →

Frequently asked questions

What is a vuvuzela?

It is a plastic trumpet-shaped horn that produces a loud, buzzing blast when blown.

Where does the word vuvuzela come from?

It comes from Zulu, echoing the vu-vu buzzing sound the horn produces.

Is there another name for a vuvuzela?

It is sometimes called a stadium horn or stadium trumpet.

What is the meaning of vuvuzela?

"vuvuzela" (noun) means a trumpet-shaped horn, usually made of plastic, that makes a loud buzzing sound.