# buzz

Pronunciation: say "BUZ" /bʌz/

## Noun

1. A continuous humming noise, like that of bees, or the confused murmur of many people talking quietly.
   - Simple: A low humming sound, like bees, or the soft murmur of many people talking.
   - _The constant buzz of the beehive could be heard across the orchard._
   - _A buzz of conversation rose from the crowded café._
3. Widespread talk, rumor, or excitement about something, spread informally among many people. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: Exciting news or talk that many people are sharing about something.
   - _The startup generated enormous buzz among investors._
   - _Early buzz about the album spread quickly through fan forums._
4. A rush of energy or excitement, or the light-headed feeling of mild intoxication. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: A sudden feeling of energy, excitement, or being slightly drunk.
   - _The roaring crowd gave the performers an incredible buzz._
   - _A couple of beers gave him a pleasant buzz._
5. An informal telephone call or email message to someone. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: A quick phone call or message to someone.
   - _Give your sister a buzz before dinner._
   - _I got a buzz from the office about the meeting._
16. A whisper or low murmur of sound.
   - Simple: A soft whispering sound.
   - _A faint buzz of conversation filled the library before the talk._
   - _He caught the buzz of whispered news passing between the guards._
17. The audible friction produced when voiced consonants are spoken.
   - Simple: The humming sound your voice makes with certain letters like 'z' and 'v'.
   - _Linguists noted the buzz that distinguishes 'z' from the silent hiss of 's'._
   - _You can hear the buzz on a voiced 'th' but not on its quieter cousin._
18. A counting game in which a set word replaces particular numbers as players count aloud, the same as fizz-buzz.
   - Simple: A counting game where players say a special word instead of some numbers.
   - _The teacher started a round of buzz to drill the kids on multiples._
   - _Buzz got competitive once the kids reached the higher numbers._

## Verb

2. To make a low, continuous humming or hissing sound, like the one bees make with their wings.
   - Simple: To make a low humming sound, like a bee.
   - _The old refrigerator buzzed quietly in the corner of the kitchen._
   - _Power lines buzz faintly on hot, humid days._
6. To signal or summon a person by sounding a buzzer.
   - Simple: To call someone by using a buzzer or doorbell.
   - _The nurse buzzed the doctor as soon as the patient arrived._
   - _Guests buzz the front desk to request extra towels._
7. To cut someone's hair very short in a close-cropped, military style.
   - Simple: To cut someone's hair very short, close to the head.
   - _The stylist buzzed the sides and left the top a little longer._
   - _He decided to buzz his head completely before the marathon._
8. Of a group of people, to talk excitedly and noisily about an interesting topic.
   - Simple: When a group of people talk about something exciting all at once.
   - _The crowd buzzed with speculation as the results were read out._
   - _Critics buzz about every new release from the studio._
9. To pass over a place in an aircraft flying very fast and very low, sometimes to take people by surprise.
   - Simple: To fly very fast and very low over a place, often as a surprise.
   - _The fighter jet buzzed the control tower before climbing away._
   - _Aircraft buzz the coastline during military exercises._
10. To fly while making a low, continuous humming sound, like that of a bee or other insect.
   - Simple: To fly while making a low humming sound.
   - _A bumblebee buzzed lazily between the rose bushes._
   - _Insects buzz through the meadow all summer long._
11. To be full of energy and haste, moving quickly and excitedly, like a busy bee. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: To be very busy and full of energy or excitement.
   - _The newsroom buzzed all night as reporters chased the story._
   - _Crowds buzz through the market the moment the gates open._
12. To throw something swiftly through the air.
   - Simple: To throw something quickly and with force.
   - _The catcher buzzed the ball back to the pitcher._
   - _Quarterbacks buzz the football downfield with surprising accuracy._
13. To speak in a low, humming or murmuring voice.
   - Simple: To make a low humming sound while speaking.
   - _She buzzed under her breath, lost in thought._
   - _Monks buzz in low tones as the chant begins._
14. To talk to someone constantly or confidentially in a low, humming voice.
   - Simple: To keep talking to someone quietly and without stopping.
   - _She buzzed her sister with secrets throughout dinner._
   - _Courtiers buzz the king with rumors all day long._
15. To whisper something, or to spread a report secretly through quiet, undertone talk.
   - Simple: To spread news or stories quietly by whispering.
   - _Servants buzzed the scandal through every hallway of the manor._
   - _Reporters buzz unverified claims across social media within hours._

## Verb

19. To drink something down to the very bottom of the vessel. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: To drink all of something until the cup is empty.
   - _The old soldier buzzed his tankard and called for another._
   - _Guests buzz every bottle the host sets before them._

## Origin

From Middle English (suggested by bussyng, meaning "buzzing"), of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound. It is related to Scots bizz ("to buzz").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/buzz (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).