Word
buzzing
US/ˈbəzɪŋ/
UK/bˈʌzɪŋ/
Definitions
01making a humming sound
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.
“The bees were buzzing around the flowers in the garden all afternoon.”
“The old fluorescent lights were buzzing so loudly that the students found it difficult to concentrate on their final exam.”
02full of activity
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.
“The city was buzzing with excitement before the big concert started.”
“The newsroom was buzzing as reporters scrambled to verify the details of the breaking story before the midnight deadline.”
03a humming noise
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a continuous low sound.
n. a continuous humming or vibrating sound, often produced by insects or electronic equipment.
“I could hear a faint buzzing coming from the back of the refrigerator.”
“A persistent buzzing in the electrical panel prompted the homeowner to call an electrician to inspect the wiring.”
Antonyms
04very happy or excited
C1 · Advanced British English · Slang · Informal
adj. feeling very happy, excited, or full of energy.
adj. experiencing a state of intense euphoria, excitement, or stimulation.
“I'm absolutely buzzing because I just passed my driving test.”
“The players were still buzzing in the dressing room hours after their unexpected victory in the championship final.”
Usage
often used after the verb 'to be'.
Teaching tip
This 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.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From buzz + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/buzzing