abuzz

American  

[uh-buhz] / əˈbʌz /

adjective

1. buzzing.

2. full of or alive with activity, talk, etc..

   The company was abuzz with rumors about the new owner.

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abuzz British  

/ əˈbʌz /

adjective

1. (postpositive) humming, as with conversation, activity, etc; buzzing

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Etymology

Origin of abuzz

First recorded in 1855–60; a- ¹ + buzz

Explanation

If a room is abuzz, it's full of noise and chatter. An elementary school classroom is bound to be abuzz on the last day of school before summer. When a place is abuzz, it's bustling with activity and sounds, humming in a way that resembles the buzzing of bees. The whole town might be abuzz with excitement about a movie being filmed there, or your house could be abuzz with excited children during a birthday party. Charles Dickens is credited with the first written use of this adjective, in his 1859 novel "A Tale of Two Cities."

Example Sentences

Every so often, the internet becomes abuzz with vague statements that everyone instantly understands.

From Salon • May 8, 2026

Bindner said pro-IS social media channels were abuzz with questions about the fate of the IS detainees.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

A surreal drum duet between two East Asian world leaders has set the internet abuzz - and put a spotlight on Japan and South Korea's diplomatic relationship.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2026

Now, the New York real-estate industry is abuzz with Barnett’s decision to construct an office building, a property type that has fallen from favor since the pandemic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Behind them, the other kids from Liam’s watch detail were abuzz, unsure of where to look.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken