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

It closes a chapter on a very specific New York experience — the practiced wrist flick, the second swipe after a buzzer, the quiet victory when the turnstile finally unlocked.

From Salon

Shortly after the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks were talking about goals bigger than a December tournament.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sophomore Grant Shaw, the son of Oak Park coach Aaron Shaw, makes a three at the buzzer to give Oak Park win over Agoura, then runs outside the gym followed by teammates and fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Suddenly, the office buzzer goes off and Mrs. Dithers lets my mom and Mika in.

From Literature

The bench scored 33 points and closed the game with a defensive rebound, remaining focused on stopping Saint Mary’s from scoring until the final buzzer.

From Los Angeles Times