buzzer
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A device that makes a buzzing sound, typically used as a signal or alarm.
1) A signaling device that produces a continuous or intermittent buzzing sound. 2) In sports, a device that signals the end of a period or game. 3) Slang for the telephone. 4) In beekeeping, a device used to calm bees.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to an electromechanical or electronic signaling device. Can be used metaphorically for any abrupt signal or deadline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use 'buzzer' identically for the device. In sports contexts, 'buzzer-beater' is more common in American English.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. In UK informal speech, 'give someone a buzz' means to call them on the phone.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to sports commentary usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
press + the + buzzerthe + buzzer + soundsbuzzer + for + doorbuzzer + goes offVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “buzzer-beater”
- “beat the buzzer”
- “on the buzzer”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to intercom systems or alert devices in offices.
Academic
Rare; might appear in physics or engineering contexts describing sound devices.
Everyday
Common for doorbells, game shows, kitchen timers.
Technical
In electronics: an audio signaling device using oscillation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He buzzer-ed the reception to be let in.
- The referee will buzzer to end the match.
American English
- She buzzer-ed the apartment number.
- The timer will buzzer when the cookies are done.
adverb
British English
- The alarm went off buzzeringly.
- He pressed the button buzzering loud.
American English
- The phone rang buzzeringly in the quiet room.
- She answered buzzering fast.
adjective
British English
- The buzzer system is quite loud.
- He made a buzzer sound with his mouth.
American English
- We need a buzzer alarm for the back door.
- That was a buzzer moment in the game.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Press the buzzer to open the door.
- The buzzer on the oven means the food is ready.
- When the buzzer sounded, everyone stopped writing.
- I heard the door buzzer but couldn't answer it.
- The contestant hit the buzzer before the question was finished.
- A loud buzzer indicated the end of the working day.
- His shot at the buzzer secured the championship victory.
- The subtle buzzer in the courtroom signaled time was up for the lawyer.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BUZZer – sounds like the BUZZ of a bee + ER (thing that does something) = thing that buzzes.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME PRESSURE / DEADLINE (as in 'beat the buzzer').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как 'жужжалка' (childish). Стандартный перевод: 'зуммер', 'сигнал'. В спорте: 'сирена' или 'гудок'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'buzzer' for a continuous bell (church bell). Confusing with 'doorbell' (specifically for doors).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common everyday use of 'buzzer'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it commonly refers to door entry systems and timing devices in games/sports.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'buzzer someone in'), but 'buzz' is the standard verb form.
A buzzer typically produces a continuous or intermittent buzzing sound, while a bell has a clearer, ringing tone.
It is neutral but can be informal in phrases like 'hit the buzzer' or slang for telephone.