WordGarden.iobuzz
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʌz/
US
- /ˈbəz/
Meanings
Noun
a low continuous humming or vibrating sound
excited talk, attention, or publicity around something
a mild feeling of intoxication or stimulation
Verb
to make a low continuous humming or vibrating sound
to signal, call, or admit someone using a buzzer or phone
to move around quickly and busily
Beyond the definition
A "buzz" can be the low humming sound made by bees—think of a summer garden. It can also describe excited chatter and visible activity. A new movie might generate a lot of "buzz" before its release, meaning people are talking about it energetically. It can even refer to rumors spreading quickly. If you hear "there's a buzz going around," brace yourself for some news—good or bad!
Think of a beehive: lots of activity and a constant humming sound. That's the essence of "buzz." Sometimes, a strong drink might give you a literal "buzz" - a slightly giddy feeling!
The word "buzz" has surprisingly diverse meanings, stemming from its original association with the vibrating hum of insects. Most literally, it refers to that humming sound—like the buzz of a bee, an electric razor, or faulty wiring. "The air was filled with the buzz of cicadas on a hot summer day."
However, "buzz" is most commonly used figuratively to describe excitement, enthusiasm, and lively conversation surrounding something. A new product launch might create a "buzz" in the media, meaning it's generating a lot of attention and talk. This can also extend to social circles: "There was a real buzz about the party last night."
"Buzz" can also refer to rumors or gossip that are circulating quickly. "I heard a buzz that the company is planning layoffs," implies unconfirmed information spreading among employees.
Interestingly, "buzz" can even describe a mild state of intoxication – a slight feeling of giddiness from alcohol. "He had a little buzz after just one drink."
So whether it's an insect's hum, excited chatter, whispered rumors, or a lightheaded feeling, "buzz" always implies energy, activity, and something that captures attention—a vibration in the air, so to speak.
Examples
- 1
Insect sound
A bee buzzed past my ear.
- 2
Phone alert
My phone buzzed in the middle of the meeting.
- 3
Background noise
We could hear the low buzz of traffic from the hotel room.
- 4
Lively place
The café was buzzing with conversation after the show.
- Patternbuzzing with
full of lively noise or activity
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Excited talk
Everyone is buzzing about the new restaurant downtown.
- Patternbuzz about + topic
talk excitedly about it
- 6
Public interest
There’s been a lot of buzz around her latest album.
- Phrasea lot of buzz
a lot of public interest and excitement
- 7
Excited feeling
I was still buzzing after the concert.
- Patternbe buzzing
feel very excited and full of energy
- 8
Intercom entry
Press the bell and I’ll buzz you in.
- Patternbuzz someone in
open a door for them using an intercom
- 9
Haircut
He got a buzz cut before the summer started.
- Phrasebuzz cut
a very short haircut
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- buzznounverb
Forms
- buzzing-ing formverbnoun
- buzzedpast tenseverbnoun
- buzzespluralnounverb