Buzzer

/ˈbʌzər/

nounBeginner📊CommonTechnology
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A device that produces a buzzing sound as a signal or warning.

/ˈbʌzər/

nounneutralBeginner
Technology

A device that makes a buzzing sound.

The kitchen timer has a loud buzzer.

💡 Simply: A thing that makes a buzzing noise.

More Examples

2

He pressed the buzzer to call the elevator.

How It's Used

Household

"The buzzer on the doorbell announced a visitor."

Sports

"The referee used the buzzer to signal the end of the round."

2

An overly enthusiastic or talkative person.

/ˈbʌzər/

nounnegativeIntermediate
General

A person who is excessively enthusiastic or talkative.

She's a real buzzer; she won't stop talking.

💡 Simply: Someone who talks a lot and is too excited.

How It's Used

Informal

"He's a real buzzer when he talks about his new car."

Tip:Imagine someone buzzing with energy, but in a slightly annoying way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From the imitative word *buzz*, referring to the sound it makes, combined with the suffix -er denoting an agent or instrument.

The word's usage as a device to make a buzzing sound has become more prevalent in recent centuries with technological advancements.

Memory tip

Think of a bee's buzz – that's the sound a buzzer makes.

Word Origin

LanguageEnglish
Original meaning

"Imitative word based on the sound of buzzing"

Base: buzz
buzzer soundpress the buzzer

Common misspellings

buzerbuzzer

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written