buzzer

American  

[buhz-er] / ˈbʌz ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that buzzes.

2. a signaling apparatus similar to an electric bell but without hammer or gong, producing a buzzing sound by the vibration of an armature.

---

buzzer British  

/ ˈbʌzə /

noun

1. a person or thing that buzzes

2. a device that produces a buzzing sound, esp one similar to an electric bell without a hammer or gong

3. a wood planing machine

---

Etymology

Origin of buzzer

First recorded in 1600–10; buzz + -er ¹

Example Sentences

My neighborhood barber, who quietly says “Bismillah,” meaning “in the name of God,” before putting the buzzer to my head, is keenly aware of this.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

When longtime announcer Don Pardo asks Kroeger’s milquetoast contender, “When is the next reappearance of Halley’s Comet scheduled?” a buzzer instantly cuts him off.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

The line between TMI and TLI—too little information—can feel like playing the board game Operation: one tiny flinch in either direction and the buzzer goes off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Game two saw more drama when De'Aaron Fox sank a three-pointer at the buzzer to give USA Stripes a 42-40 triumph over USA Stars.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Inside the gym, a buzzer sounded, the crowd quieted, and we heard the squeak of sneakers that meant the game had begun.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller