buzz
/bʌz/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.05 in modern English
24
Scrabble Score
4
Letters
1
Syllables
3
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A continuous humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
A rush or feeling of energy or excitement; a feeling of slight intoxication.
Countable; Informal; Uncountable
noun
Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.
Countable; Informal; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "Immediately there was a ringing and a singing in the hills, and then a whispering and a lisping and a whiz and a buzz all about him, for the little people were now some whirling round and round in the dance, and others sporting and tumbling about in the moonshine, and playing a thousand merry pranks and tricks."
- "In the steady buzz of flies the homeward-bound agent was lying flushed and insensible[.]"
- "This probably explains the interest in UVB-76, or “The Buzzer,” a mysterious shortwave radio station that has been operating since 1982 and whose output consists of a monotonous buzz repeated 24 hours a day, occasionally interrupted by a Russian voice."
- "Still feeling the buzz from the coffee, he pushed through the last of the homework."
- "Now, don't waste time, give us a buzz -- quick! 825-4703 or 265-7881."
- "Mr. Hall? The buzz on Christian is that his parents have joint custody, so he'll be spending one semester in Chicago and one semester here."
Etymology
From Middle English *bussen (suggested by Middle English bussyng (“buzzing”)), of onomatopoeic origin. Cognate with Scots bizz (“to buzz”). Compare Middle English bunning (“buzzing”), Middle English hossing (“buzzing”), Middle English bissen (“to hush”).
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: *bussen