buzz

I. verb Etymology: Middle English bussen, of imitative origin Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. to make a low continuous humming sound like that of a bee 2. a. murmur, whisper b. to be filled with a confused murmur <

the room buzzed with excitement

> 3. to make a signal with a buzzer 4. to go quickly ; hurry <

buzzed around town in a sports car

>; also scram — usually used with off 5. to feel high especially from a drug transitive verb 1. to utter covertly by or as if by whispering 2. to cause to buzz 3. to fly fast and close to <

planes buzz the crowd

> 4. to summon or signal with a buzzer; also to let in through an electronically controlled entrance — used with in or through <

buzzed him in

> 5. dialect England to drink to the last drop <

get some more port whilst I buzz this bottle — W. M. Thackeray

> II. noun Date: circa 1600 1. a persistent vibratory sound 2. a. a confused murmur b. rumor, gossip c. a flurry of activity d. fad, craze e. speculative or excited talk or attention relating especially to a new or forthcoming product or event <

one of the few new shows that's getting good buzz — TV Guide

>; also an instance of such talk or attention <

their first CD created a huge buzz

> 3. a signal conveyed by buzzer; specifically a telephone call 4. high 4