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

And about that three-point game: If it were made today, West’s ludicrous, better-than-half-court shot at the buzzer in the third game of the 1970 finals would simply win the contest, not send it into overtime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 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

When longtime announcer Don Pardo asks Kroeger’s milquetoast contender, “When is the next reappearance of Halley’s Comet scheduled?” a buzzer instantly cuts him off.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

The line between TMI and TLI—too little information—can feel like playing the board game Operation: one tiny flinch in either direction and the buzzer goes off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

The pawnbroker presses a buzzer and the second door opens.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle