buzz of traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buzz of traffic" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the loud and continuous sound made by cars, buses, and other vehicles on a busy street or highway. Example: The peacefulness of the countryside was a stark contrast to the constant buzz of traffic that filled the city streets outside our hotel room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Despite the buzz of traffic, the creeks were peaceful.

The New York Times - Travel

Hundreds of parents rallied outside, shouting "Save our school!" over the buzz of traffic on Essex Street.

The New York Times

Once the projects are completed, views of Lake Ontario and proximity to transit and amenities will be joined by the buzz of traffic.

The New York Times

But you also get endless vistas of back-to-backs as well as, in Ian Dickinson's sound design, the buzz of traffic and hooting boats.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's nice, it's calm," he said, despite the buzz of nearby traffic.

The New York Times

Major arteries clogged with cars bisect the city; even this far up the soundtrack is the buzz of heavy traffic.

The Guardian

The sour grapes version is that Google Plus isn't getting anything like the buzz or traffic of Facebook, so Google is figuring out other ways to make the service relevant.

The New York Times

Good buzz, extra traffic, and the goodwill of at least one major Hollywood studio, which might help them soon add another, will be a nice shot in the arm.

TechCrunch

Closer, the junction announces itself with the roar of traffic, the rumble of buses and the buzz of a teeming crowd that spills from the Utica Avenue subway station.

The New York Times

After the traffic, tarmac and manic buzz of Thailand, we crossed the vast river into south central Laos on a rusty barge.

The Guardian - Travel

No din of traffic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buzz of traffic" to vividly describe the auditory atmosphere of a busy urban area, emphasizing the continuous and somewhat irritating nature of the sound. For example, compare it to the quiet of a rural setting for a stronger contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "buzz of traffic" when describing a single, loud event like a car crash or a vehicle accelerating. The phrase describes the general background noise, not isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buzz of traffic" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a specific type of auditory environment. It denotes the collective sound produced by vehicles in motion, a common experience in urban settings, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buzz of traffic" is a noun phrase used to describe the collective sounds of vehicles in motion, typically found in urban areas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the auditory atmosphere of busy streets. Analysis of its usage reveals it is most frequently found in News & Media sources, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, be sure to use it to describe the general soundscape rather than individual events. Alternative phrases such as "roar of traffic" or "hum of traffic" can offer nuances in the sound's intensity or character, as detailed above.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic noise

Focuses on the noise aspect specifically, omitting the "buzz" sound.

roar of traffic

Emphasizes a louder, more intense sound compared to a "buzz".

hum of traffic

Indicates a more constant and less intrusive sound compared to a "buzz".

background traffic sounds

Implies that the traffic sounds are not the focus of attention.

vehicular sounds

Replaces "traffic" with a more formal description.

drone of traffic

Implies a sustained, monotonous sound from vehicles.

city noise

Broader term encompassing all sounds within a city environment, including traffic.

cacophony of cars

Suggests a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds from multiple cars.

urban soundscape

A more academic and comprehensive term for the overall auditory environment of a city.

constant flow of vehicles

Shift from sound to the continuous movement.

FAQs

How can I use "buzz of traffic" in a sentence?

You can use "buzz of traffic" to describe the background noise in a city. For example: "Despite the late hour, the "buzz of traffic" persisted outside my window."

What's a more intense alternative to "buzz of traffic"?

If you want to convey a louder or more overwhelming sound, consider using "roar of traffic" instead.

Is "hum of traffic" similar to "buzz of traffic"?

While both describe traffic sounds, "hum of traffic" suggests a more constant and less abrasive sound than "buzz of traffic", which implies a more noticeable or irritating noise.

How does "buzz of traffic" differ from general "city noise"?

"City noise" is a broader term encompassing all sounds in an urban environment, whereas "buzz of traffic" specifically refers to the sounds made by vehicles.