Added 9 October 2026
buzz
/bʌz/ noun
In Latin: bombiō Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about buzz at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A continuous humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.
- A whisper.
- The audible friction of voiced consonants.
verb
-
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. Of a group of people, to talk about some interesting topic excitedly. To fly while making such a sound.
A fly was buzzing past me.
- To utter a murmuring sound; to speak with a low, humming voice.
- Of a group of people, to talk about some interesting topic excitedly.
Origin
From Middle English *bussen (suggested by Middle English bussyng (“buzzing”)), of onomatopoeic origin. Cognate with Scots bizz (“to buzz”). Compare Middle English bunning (“buzzing”), Middle English hossing (“buzzing”), Middle English bissen (“to hush”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)