buzz

Meanings

Noun

• A continuous, humming noise, as of bees; a confused murmur, as of general conversation in low tones.
• A whisper.
• The audible friction of voice consonants.
• A rush or feeling of energy or excitement; a feeling of slight intoxication.
• A telephone call or e-mail.
• Major topic of conversation; widespread rumor; information spread behind the scenes.

Verb

• To make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound, like that made by bees with their wings.
• 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.
• To whisper; to communicate, as tales, in an undertone; to spread, as a report, by whispers or secretly.
• To talk to incessantly or confidentially in a low humming voice.
• To fly at high speed and at a very low altitude over a specified area, as to make a surprise pass.
• To cut the hair in a close-cropped military style, or buzzcut.
• To drink to the bottom.
• To communicate with (a person) by means of a buzzer.

Origin

• From Middle English *bussen, of onomatopoeic origin. Compare Middle English bunning, Middle English hossing, Middle English bissen.