# buzzing

/ˈbəzɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈʌzɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buzzing
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. making a humming sound

verb · CEFR B1

making a continuous low sound like a bee or a machine.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. full of activity

verb · CEFR B2

being very busy and full of energy or excitement.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a humming noise

noun · CEFR B1

a continuous low sound.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. very happy or excited

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

feeling very happy, excited, or full of energy.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I am absolutely buzzing about my holiday next week.
- The whole city was buzzing after the local team won the championship for the first time in decades.
- Even hours after the performance had ended, the lead actor was still buzzing from the adrenaline of the standing ovation and the glowing reviews from the critics.

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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.