# buzzer

/ˈbəzɝ/ (US) · /bˈʌzɐ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. signalling device

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. police badge

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. buzzing insect

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The kitchen timer has a loud buzzer.
- The referee blew the whistle and the buzzer sounded to end the match.
- The sudden blare of the buzzer cut through the stadium's roar, signaling the final seconds of the championship game.

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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.