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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of buzzer

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

Example Sentences

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

When the buzzer mercifully sounded, the box score made no bones about the fact the Trojans had been outworked and outclassed in almost every facet of the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Miss the buzzer and you’re locked out of the auditorium until the next commercial break.

From Los Angeles Times

But what felt like a light at the end of the tunnel Wednesday night didn’t feel nearly as hopeful for USC by the final buzzer sounded.

From Los Angeles Times

Noah Simon made a three-point shot at the buzzer of the second overtime, his only points of the night.

From Los Angeles Times