# buzz

/ˈbəz/ (US) · /bˈʌz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buzz
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. humming sound

noun · CEFR B1

a continuous, low humming sound like the one made by a bee or a machine.

For teachers: a continuous, low-frequency humming or vibrating sound, typically produced by insects or electrical equipment.

- I could hear the constant buzz of the air conditioner in the background.
- The steady buzz of the high-voltage wires was the only sound breaking the silence of the rural landscape.

### 2. excitement or rumor

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a feeling of excitement or a lot of talk and interest about something new.

For teachers: a state of intense public interest, excitement, or speculative conversation regarding a specific topic or event.

- There is a lot of buzz about the new movie coming out next month.
- The marketing team successfully generated a significant buzz ahead of the product launch, ensuring a massive turnout on the first day.

### 3. feeling of energy

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a sudden feeling of energy, pleasure, or being slightly drunk.

For teachers: a physical or emotional sensation of euphoria, energy, or mild intoxication.

- She gets a real buzz from performing on stage in front of an audience.
- Adrenaline junkies often seek the specific buzz associated with extreme sports like skydiving or base jumping.

### 4. to make a humming sound

verb · CEFR B1

to make a low, continuous humming sound.

For teachers: to produce a low, continuous, vibrating sound; often used intransitively to describe insects or machinery.

- Bees were buzzing around the flowers in the garden.
- The intercom began to buzz insistently, signaling that the delivery driver was waiting at the main gate.

### 5. to be full of activity

verb · CEFR B2

to be very busy and full of energy or people moving around.

For teachers: to be filled with a sense of activity, excitement, or industrious energy.

- The kitchen was buzzing with chefs preparing for the big dinner.
- The entire city was buzzing with anticipation as the national team prepared for the championship final.

### 6. to fly low over

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Technical

to fly a plane very fast and low over a place.

For teachers: to fly an aircraft at a very low altitude over a specific area or person, often as a warning or for excitement.

- The fighter jets decided to buzz the airfield during the celebration.
- The pilot was disciplined for choosing to buzz the control tower at high speed during the unauthorized victory lap.

### 7. to signal with a buzzer

verb · CEFR B1

to call someone or open a door by pressing a button that makes a sound.

For teachers: to signal or summon someone, or to release a door lock, by using an electronic buzzer.

- Can you buzz me into the building when I arrive?
- The receptionist will buzz you through the security doors once you have signed the visitor log.

Usage: Often used with 'in' when referring to letting someone into a building.

## Examples

- There is a real buzz in the city before the big game.
- The marketing team worked for months to create a buzz before the new smartphone was released.
- Despite the initial buzz surrounding the startup's launch, investors grew cautious when the company failed to produce a working prototype within the first fiscal quarter.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.