Buzz Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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buzz

[bสŒz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

a continuous, humming sound, as of bees; a low, vibrating, humming sound; a confused noise, as of many voices

Synonyms

drone, hum, whir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buzz

Commonly describes the sound made by bees, insects, and small electronic devices. It can also refer to a feeling of excitement or activity.

  • The bee buzzed around the flower.
  • There was a buzz of excitement in the room.

Examples of usage

  • The buzz of the bees filled the garden.
  • The buzz of conversation in the crowded room was deafening.
  • She could hear the buzz of excitement in the air.
  • There was a buzz of anticipation before the concert started.
  • The buzz of the alarm clock woke her up.
Context #2 | Verb

sound or activity

make a low, continuous humming sound; be filled with a humming noise; be alive or active with activity, talk, etc.

Synonyms

drone, hum, whir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buzz

This word is often used to describe the sound made by bees or similar creatures and can also describe an excited atmosphere or commotion.

  • I could hear the buzz of bees gathering nectar.
  • The new restaurant opened today, and there was a real buzz around it.
hum

โ€˜Humโ€™ is usually used to describe a low, steady continuous sound. It can refer to sounds made by people, machinery, or nature.

  • The hum of the refrigerator was barely noticeable.
  • She started to hum a catchy tune while she worked.
whir

โ€˜Whirโ€™ describes a sound made by something that is moving quickly in a circular motion, like a fan or blades. It often implies a lighter, higher-pitched sound.

  • The whir of the ceiling fan helped cool the room.
  • The blender made a loud whir as it mixed the ingredients.
drone

โ€˜Droneโ€™ generally implies a continuous low humming sound. It is often associated with machines or electronics, and it can be somewhat monotonous.

  • The drone of the air conditioner was relaxing.
  • He spoke in a boring drone that made it hard to stay awake.

Examples of usage

  • The bees buzzed around the flowers in the garden.
  • The city was buzzing with excitement during the festival.
  • The news of the promotion buzzed through the office.
  • The phone buzzed with messages all day.
  • She could hear her heart buzzing in her ears.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'buzz off' became popular in the 1960s, meaning to go away or leave someone alone.
  • Numerous songs have used 'buzz' in their lyrics to convey excitement, such as 'Buzz Lightyear' in the Toy Story franchise, representing adventure.
  • In social media today, 'buzz' is commonly used to describe the online chatter or excitement around trends or events.

Science

  • Buzzing is not just for bees; it's a sound made by other insects, like flies and mosquitoes, which use it for communication.
  • Bees create buzz through a wingbeat frequency of around 200 beats per second, crucial for pollination and signaling their hive.
  • Scientists study 'buzz' frequencies in many species to understand their communication methods and social structures.

Psychology

  • The term 'buzz' has been adopted in psychology to denote a heightened state of excitement or interest, often linked to positive experiences.
  • Feeling a 'buzz' can be associated with the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, which play a role in pleasure and reward.
  • Group activities can create a social 'buzz,' enhancing feelings of connection through shared experiences.

Literature

  • Buzz is often used in literature to describe an electric atmosphere, particularly in scenes of high tension or excitement.
  • Authors like J.K. Rowling utilize the concept of 'buzz' to reflect the excitement of characters during key events in their stories.
  • The buzzing metaphor is frequently employed to symbolize change or movement, enhancing narrative dynamics.

Origin of 'buzz'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'buzz' comes from Middle English, resembling the sound that bees make.
  • It was first recorded in the 18th century, originally referring to the noise made by bees and later expanded to other contexts.
  • Interestingly, 'buzz' can also mean to make a noise similar to that of a bee in other languages, such as 'bzzz' in French.

The word "buzz" originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Middle Low German word "busse", meaning a low or murmuring sound. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to continuous humming sounds and activity. Today, "buzz" is commonly used to describe both the sound of bees and a lively or active atmosphere. The word has become a versatile term in modern language, symbolizing energy, excitement, and movement.


See also: buzzed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,514, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.