English Reference

Word

buzzer

US/ˈbəzɝ/

UK/bˈʌzɐ/

Definitions

01signalling device

B1

n. an electronic device that makes a buzzing sound to get your attention.

n. a mechanical or electronic device that emits a buzzing sound, typically used as a doorbell, alarm, or signal in a game show.

“I pressed the buzzer at the front door, but nobody answered.”

“The contestant pressed her buzzer before the host had even finished reading the question, securing her lead in the final round.”

Synonyms

alarmbellbeeper

02police badge

C1 · Law

n. a badge that a police officer carries to show who they are.

n. a slang term for a police officer's shield or identification badge.

“The detective flashed his buzzer at the guard to get inside the building.”

“In many classic crime dramas, the undercover officer is forced to show his buzzer to prove his identity to skeptical local authorities.”

American English · Slang

Synonyms

03buzzing insect

B2 · Science

n. an insect that makes a low, humming sound while flying.

n. any insect, such as a bee or fly, characterized by the buzzing sound produced by its wings.

“A loud buzzer flew into the room and circled the lamp.”

“The garden was full of various buzzers and crawlers, all attracted to the heavy scent of the blooming jasmine.”

Real-World Examples

“I rang the buzzer, tried to explain who I was over the intercom.”
The Guardian · 13 Sept 2026
“The first woman who answers the door via her buzzer is a big fan.”
The Guardian · 7 Sept 2026

Etymology

From buzz + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

buzzNounbuzzerNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/buzzer

English Reference