buzz

A continuous low sound, like the sound of a flying bee or an electrical device.

• I heard a buzz.
• The phone made a short buzz on the table.
• A steady buzz came from the fridge.

Similar words: hum, drone

Common phrases: a loud buzz, buzz of bees, electric buzz

A continuous low sound made by insects, machines, or people talking quietly together.

• The bees made a gentle buzz.
• A buzz of voices came from the kitchen.
• The machine’s buzz kept me awake.

Similar words: hum, murmur, drone

Common phrases: steady buzz, buzz of conversation, buzz of bees

The low, mixed sound of many people talking together.

• A quiet buzz filled the room.
• We heard a buzz of conversation outside.
• The buzz grew louder as more guests arrived.

How to use it: buzz of something (A buzz of conversation filled the hall.)

Similar words: murmur, hum

Common phrases: buzz of conversation, low buzz, buzz of voices

A pleasant feeling of excitement or energy, sometimes caused by alcohol or another substance.

• Winning gave me a real buzz.
• He still felt a buzz from the coffee.
• Do you get a buzz from speaking on stage?

How to use it: get a buzz from something/doing something (She gets a buzz from performing live.)

Similar words: thrill, high, rush

Common phrases: get a buzz, a real buzz, buzz from something

To make a continuous low sound like a flying bee.

• My phone is buzzing.
• A bee buzzed around the flowers.
• The timer buzzes when the food is ready.

Similar words: hum, drone

Common phrases: buzz loudly, buzz around something, buzz with something

To tell or spread information quietly, often in secret.

• They buzzed rumours through the village.
• She buzzed the news to her closest friends.
• The servants buzzed secret tales in the corridor.

How to use it: buzz something to someone (She buzzed the news to her neighbour.)

Similar words: whisper, murmur

Common phrases: buzz a rumour, buzz in ears

To talk to someone continuously or privately in a low voice.

• He buzzed to me in a low voice.
• She kept buzzing in his ear during dinner.
• The old man buzzed quietly to his companion.

How to use it: buzz to someone (He buzzed to his companion throughout the meal.)

Similar words: murmur, whisper

Common phrases: buzz to someone, buzz in ears