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

• buzzing noun
• buzzingly adverb

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

I actually struggle to think of a business that would see an employee buzz off to a rival and let them stick around for the afternoon, much less cake and ice cream.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The usually sleepy Laotian capital Vientiane has an uncharacteristic buzz, bedecked with flags and T-shirt vendors ahead of commemorations of 50 years of communist rule Tuesday, but for many young people history carries little weight.

Read more on Barron's

But if the drama has drained the mood at the top, it did not kill the buzz on the floor.

Read more on BBC

The restaurant has also created a social media buzz, with an Instagram account dedicated to the AI Chef that features chef Aiman's avatar in videos sharing tips and recipes.

Read more on Barron's

There was a buzz of excitement as they shared their experiences.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• news 
• rumble 
• rumor 
• whisper