a continuous low humming sound, like that made by bees, electricity, or machinery
The gentle buzz of the fridge filled the quiet kitchen.
A sudden buzz from the overhead lights made everyone look up.
✦ Imitative origin; first recorded in Middle English to describe the sound made by bees.
to make a continuous low humming sound
The old fluorescent lamp buzzed loudly until Tom switched it off.
Bees buzzed around the blooming lavender in the garden.
✦ From the noun buzz, imitative of the sound produced.
a pleasant feeling of excitement, energy, or mild intoxication
She felt a thrilling buzz after finishing the marathon.
The first sip of coffee gave him a pleasant buzz of energy.
✦ Likely developed from the sense of vibration or tingling associated with excitement or alcohol in the mid-20th century.
a short telephone call or electronic alert
Give me a buzz when you get home so I know you’re safe.
I’ll give the plumber a quick buzz to confirm the appointment.
✦ Originated from the buzzing tone of early telephones and door buzzers in the mid-20th century.
to phone or send a short electronic alert to someone
Buzz me later and we’ll set a time for lunch.
He buzzed his mom to say the train was delayed.
✦ Developed from the noun sense related to telephone buzzers, first attested in the 1960s.
lively talk and excitement among many people about something new or interesting
There was a lot of buzz in the office about the surprise announcement.
The new movie created instant buzz on social media.
✦ Metaphoric extension of the humming sound to describe the noise of excited conversation, first recorded in the early 20th century.
to fly very low and fast over a place to startle or impress people
The fighter jet buzzed the control tower, rattling the windows.
Crop-dusting planes often buzz the fields at dawn.
✦ Transferred from the sound sense to describe the noise and vibration felt when an aircraft passes closely overhead, first used in WW I pilot slang.
a small electric device that makes a short buzzing sound to get someone’s attention, like a doorbell or an alarm
When the visitor pressed the buzzer, the receptionist opened the door.
The school uses a loud buzzer to signal the end of each class period.
✦ From buzz + -er, first recorded in the late 1800s for electrical signalling devices.
in sports, the loud electronic signal that marks the end of a period or the game
The ball left his hand just as the buzzer sounded.
Fans jumped to their feet when the final buzzer ended the game.
✦ Sense extended from the general device to the specific arena horn that buzzes to end play.
