busy signal

noun

1. Telephony. a regular succession of buzzing tones transmitted to a caller to indicate that the circuit serving the number is blocked or in use, rapid repetition indicating that the network is blocked and normal repetition that the telephone being called is in use.

busy signal

noun

1. a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use Also called (especially in Britain)engaged tone

Word History and Origins

Origin of busy signal¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

It has closed 67 offices around the country since 2010 and shrunk its call center staff, resulting in more busy signals, longer wait times and fewer calls answered according to a report by the SSA Inspector General in May 2020.

From Time

He got a busy signal from the cops, but Gloria pulled up next to him within minutes.

From The Daily Beast

The sound I got wasn't even a busy signal -- it was like a whimper of pain from the phone system.

From Project Gutenberg