busy signal

American  

noun

1. Telephony. a regular succession of buzzing tones transmitted to a caller to indicate that the circuit serving the number is blocked or in use, rapid repetition indicating that the network is blocked and normal repetition that the telephone being called is in use.

---

busy signal British  

noun

1. Also called (especially in Britain): engaged tone.  a repeated single note heard on a telephone when the number called is already in use

---

Etymology

Origin of busy signal

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Calls to La Colombe’s five Chicago locations landed one Wi-Fi “yes,” two “noes,” one recurring busy signal, and one “no more indoor seating.”

From Slate • Jun. 4, 2024

He gets a busy signal from the shelter in North Hollywood and discovers with a Google search that it’s permanently closed.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2023

“It was like a busy signal, busy signal. ‘Hurry up!

From Washington Times • Jun. 18, 2023

And 15 percent of callers will get a busy signal, up more than double last year’s rate of 6 percent.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2023

But an instant later, a fast busy signal filled his ear.

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers