buzzer

American  

[buhz-er] / ˈbʌz ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that buzzes.

2. a signaling apparatus similar to an electric bell but without hammer or gong, producing a buzzing sound by the vibration of an armature.

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buzzer British  

/ ˈbʌzə /

noun

1. a person or thing that buzzes

2. a device that produces a buzzing sound, esp one similar to an electric bell without a hammer or gong

3. a wood planing machine

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Etymology

Origin of buzzer

First recorded in 1600–10; buzz + -er ¹

Example Sentences

At the east London block of flats which we believed was the home of the former member of Epstein's household staff, we pressed the buzzer and asked for her.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

On Sunday Pitino’s fifth-seeded, 30-6 St. John’s eked out a 67-65 buzzer beater over fourth-seed Kansas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The action is punctuated by booming sound effects — canned applause, the “wah-wah” of a sad trombone and a hyperactive electronic buzzer, among them — coming from a trigger-happy soundboard operator behind the coffee counter.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

Jarrett Allen scored 27 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Cleveland, but his last-gasp effort that would have forced overtime was ruled to have left his hand after the buzzer.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The workers peered through curtains at the van, and when the reporter came to the door and pushed the buzzer, no one answered.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston