buzz Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun sound of rapid vibration
    bombilation; bombination.
    • the buzz of a bumble bee
  2. noun a confusion of activity and gossip
    • the buzz of excitement was so great that a formal denial was issued
  3. verb make a buzzing sound
    bombilate; bombinate.
    • bees were buzzing around the hive
  4. verb fly low
    • Planes buzzed the crowds in the square
  5. verb be noisy with activity
    hum; seethe.
    • This office is buzzing with activity
  6. verb call with a buzzer
    • he buzzed the servant

WordNet

Buzz intransitive verb
Etymology
An onomatopoeia.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Buzzed present participle & verbal noun Buzzing
Definitions
  1. To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings. Hence: To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
    Like a wasp is buzzed, and stung him. Longfellow.
    However these disturbers of our peace Buzz in the people's ears. Shak.
Buzz transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To sound forth by buzzing. Shak.
  2. To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an under tone; to spread, as report, by whispers, or secretly.
    I will buzz abroad such prophecies That Edward shall be fearful of his life. Shak.
  3. To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice. Colloq.
  4. (Phonetics) To sound with a "buzz". H. Sweet.
Buzz noun
Definitions
  1. A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones, or of a general expression of surprise or approbation. "The constant buzz of a fly." Macaulay.
    I found the whole room in a buzz of politics. Addison.
    There is a buzz all around regarding the sermon. Thackeray.
  2. A whisper; a report spread secretly or cautiously.
    There's a certain buzz Of a stolen marriage. Massinger.
  3. (Phonetics) The audible friction of voice consonants. H. Sweet.

Webster 1913