buzzing
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.making a continuous low sound like a bee or a machine.
v.the present participle of 'buzz', describing the production of a continuous, low-pitched humming or vibrating sound.
Simple“The bees were buzzing around the flowers in the garden all afternoon.”
In context“The old fluorescent lights were buzzing so loudly that the students found it difficult to concentrate on their final exam.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.being very busy and full of energy or excitement.
v.the present participle of 'buzz', used to describe a place or situation characterized by intense activity or excitement.
Simple“The city was buzzing with excitement before the big concert started.”
In context“The newsroom was buzzing as reporters scrambled to verify the details of the breaking story before the midnight deadline.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a continuous low sound.
n.a continuous humming or vibrating sound, often produced by insects or electronic equipment.
Simple“I could hear a faint buzzing coming from the back of the refrigerator.”
In context“A persistent buzzing in the electrical panel prompted the homeowner to call an electrician to inspect the wiring.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.feeling very happy, excited, or full of energy.
adj.experiencing a state of intense euphoria, excitement, or stimulation.
Simple“I'm absolutely buzzing because I just passed my driving test.”
In context“The players were still buzzing in the dressing room hours after their unexpected victory in the championship final.”
Usageoften used after the verb 'to be'.
Teacher's tipThis is very common in modern British English to describe being happy about a result or event; it can also refer to the effects of caffeine or other stimulants.
“We notice buzzing bees landing on dandelions, among the first flowers to bloom in spring.”
“This is such a festival show: uncategorisable, buzzing, slightly chaotic and unlike anything else.”
From buzz + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.