English · Word Candidate

buzz

/bʌz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: buzzes

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Noun

Examples

Immediately there was a ringing and a singing in the hills, and then a whispering and a lisping and a whiz and a buzz all about him, for the little people were now some whirling round and round in the dance, and others sporting and tumbling about in the moonshine, and playing a thousand merry pranks

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A whisper.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

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

Verb

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings. — To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.

Verb

Examples

However these disturbers of our peace / Buzz in the people's ears.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “buzz” mean?

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

Is “buzz” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.