buzz

[buhz]

noun

1. a low, vibrating, humming sound, as of bees, machinery, or people talking.

2. Informal.,  a rumor or report.

   There's a buzz going around that he'll soon be fired.

3. Informal.,  a phone call.

   When I find out, I'll give you a buzz.

4. Slang.

   1. a feeling of intense enthusiasm, interest, excitement, or exhilaration: Their ads are generating plenty of buzz.

      I get a terrific buzz from those Pacific sunsets.

      Their ads are generating plenty of buzz.

   2. a feeling of slight intoxication or overstimulation from liquor or drugs.

      Too much caffeine gives me a buzz.

5. buzzcut.

verb (used without object)

1. to make a low, vibrating, humming sound.

2. to speak or murmur with such a sound.

3. to be filled with the sound of buzzing or whispering.

   The room buzzed.

4. to whisper; gossip.

   Everyone is buzzing about the scandal.

5. to move busily from place to place.

6. Slang.,  to go; leave (usually followed by off oralong ): Tell him to buzz off and leave me alone.

   I'll buzz along now.

   Tell him to buzz off and leave me alone.

verb (used with object)

1. to make a buzzing sound with.

   The fly buzzed its wings.

2. to tell or spread (a rumor, gossip, etc.) secretively.

3. to signal or summon with a buzzer.

   He buzzed his assistant.

4. Informal.,  to make a phone call to.

5. Aeronautics.

   1. to fly a plane very low over.

      to buzz a field.

   2. to signal or greet (someone) by flying a plane low and slowing the motor spasmodically.

buzz

/ bʌz /

noun

1. a rapidly vibrating humming sound, as that of a prolonged z or of a bee in flight

2. a low sound, as of many voices in conversation

3. a rumour; report; gossip

4. informal,  a telephone call

   I'll give you a buzz

5. slang

   1. a pleasant sensation, as from a drug such as cannabis

   2. a sense of excitement; kick

verb

1. (intr) to make a vibrating sound like that of a prolonged z

2. (intr) to talk or gossip with an air of excitement or urgency

   the town buzzed with the news

3. (tr) to utter or spread (a rumour)

4. to move around quickly and busily; bustle

5. (tr) to signal or summon with a buzzer

6. informal,  (tr) to call by telephone

7. informal,  (tr)

   1. to fly an aircraft very low over (an object)

      to buzz a ship

   2. to fly an aircraft very close to or across the path of (another aircraft), esp to warn or intimidate

8. (tr) (esp of insects) to make a buzzing sound with (wings, etc)

Other Word Forms

• buzzingly adverb
• buzzing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of buzz¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English busse; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of buzz¹

C16: of imitative origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have / get a buzz on, to be slightly intoxicated.

   After a few beers they all had a buzz on.

Example Sentences

“We went to their first Manchester show in July and it was unbelievable, the atmosphere was just buzzing,” Shepherd said.

From Los Angeles Times

A solitary figure who preferred working alone and needed large doses of St. John’s wort to get through days when his studio buzzed with people.

From Los Angeles Times

The buzz of millions wandering around 'The City That Never Sleeps'.

From BBC

"It just gives you a buzz. The amount of people we get there - our supporters are top-tier. We are so lucky to have them. You get used to that," said Catley.

From BBC

Voices echo through the vast, concrete space and a cacophony of drills and electric lifts beep, buzz and blare.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• news 
• rumble 
• rumor 
• whisper