buzz
(bŭz)
[Middle English bussen, of imitative origin.]
verb: buzzed, buzz·ing, buzz·es.
intransitive verb
- To make a low droning or vibrating sound like that of a bee.
- To talk, often excitedly, in low tones.
- To be abuzz; hum: The department was buzzing with rumors.
- To move quickly and busily; bustle.
- To make a signal with a buzzer.
transitive verb
- To cause to buzz.
- To utter in a rapid, low voice: “What is he buzzing in my ears?” (Robert Browning)
- Informal To fly low over: The plane buzzed the control tower.
- To call or signal with a buzzer.
- To make a telephone call to.
- To give a buzzcut to.
noun
- A vibrating, humming, or droning sound.
- A low murmur: a buzz of talk.
- A telephone call: Give me a buzz at nine.
- Slang
- A state of pleasant intoxication, as from alcohol.
- A state of stimulation or overstimulation, as from caffeine.
- Slang
- Excited interest or attention: “The biggest buzz surrounds the simplest antioxidants: vitamins” (Carol Turkington)
- Rumor; gossip: the latest buzz from Hollywood.
- A buzzcut.
phrasal verbs
- buzz off
- To leave quickly; go away: I told them in no uncertain terms to buzz off.
