English Dictionary

Definition of “buzz

buzz (bʌzPronunciation for buzz

Definitions

noun

  1. a rapidly vibrating humming sound, as that of a prolonged 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 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. (intr) about to move around quickly and busily; bustle
  5. (tr) to signal or summon with a buzzer
  6. (tr) informal to call by telephone
  7. (tr) informal 
    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)

See also

buzz in

Alternative Forms

ˈbuzzing noun adjective

Word Origin

C16: of imitative origin

Usage examples

  • Outside, in the showroom, the buzz of anticipation rose to a frantic pitch.
    Babson, Marian, Death in Fashion (1985)
  • It is our niche to develop these buzz issues to our advantage ', was how one teacher viewed the role of geography today.
    Spiked (2002)
  • Then the team started to stutter and the buzz wasn't so good.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • There was also the buzz of conversation from people intent on doing some serious networking.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • Formerly every hamlet had a tiny shop, `with a little buzz around each one "; now everyone goes down town.
    Rice, Judith, New Testaments (1993)

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