buzz

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A continuous humming noise, as of bees

   A continuous humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.

   • In the steady buzz of flies the homeward-bound agent was lying flushed and insensible[.]
2. 2

   A whisper.

3. 3

   The audible friction of voiced consonants.

4. ›+ 14 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A rush or feeling of energy or excitement

      A rush or feeling of energy or excitement; a feeling of slight intoxication.

      • Still feeling the buzz from the coffee, he pushed through the last of the homework.
   2. 5

      A telephone call or e-mail.

      • Now, don't waste time, give us a buzz -- quick! 825-4703 or 265-7881.
   3. 6

      Major topic of conversation

      Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.

      • Mr. Hall? The buzz on Christian is that his parents have joint custody, so he'll be spending one semester in Chicago and one semester here.
      • I wasn't performing with Pimp and Smoove that much no more, but I had a solo deal with Ruthless Rap and a brand new mixtape that was creating a big buzz.
      • In Detroit, the buzz is that he's too nice a guy, unwilling to impose draconian job cuts at the risk of angering the UAW.
   4. 7

      Synonym of fizz-buzz (“counting game”).

   5. 8

      To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their…

      To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings.

      • Ah! the singing, fatal arrow, / Like a wasp it buzzed, and stung him [a roebuck]!
   6. 9

      To show a high level of activity and haste, energization or excitement, to be busy as a…

      To show a high level of activity and haste, energization or excitement, to be busy as a bee in one’s actions but perhaps mentally charged.

   7. 10

      To whisper

      To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an undertone; to spread, as a report, by whispers or secretly.

      • I will buzz abroad such prophecies / That Edward shall be fearful of his life.
   8. 11

      To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.

   9. 12

      To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over (an area), as to make a surprise…

      To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over (an area), as to make a surprise pass.

      • […] an asteroid a mere 15-20 metres across exploded with the force of a medium-sized atom bomb over Chelyabinsk, in Russia, and another, much larger one buzzed Earth a few hours later.
   10. 13

       To cut (the hair) in a close-cropped military style, or buzzcut.

       • Deacon said, “You used to beg me to let you buzz your hair when you were little.” “And then I grew up and realized how awful you looked when you buzzed yours.”
   11. 14

       To throw swiftly.

       • I have mentioned her deft hand with a stone — well, as soon as our backs were turned she buzzed a stone to clip Joe's ear.
   12. 15

       To drink to the bottom.

       • He buzzed the bottle with such a hearty good will as settled the fate of another, which Soapey rang for as a matter of course. There was but the rejected one, which however Spigot put into a different decanter and brought in […]
   13. 16

       To communicate with (a person) by means of a buzzer.

       • Then one day my secretary buzzed me and said Frank Sinatra was on the phone. When I picked up the phone it was the Chief who played dumb and would not admit that he said he was Frank Sinatra.
   14. 17

       A male given name, pet form of Busby

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