buzzer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'buzzer' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sound of an alarm or timer going off, or to refer to the device making that sound. For example, "The buzzer sounded to signal the end of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During a "showdown" with presenter Alex Brooker, who deployed a "bullshit buzzer" when he was unhappy with the quality of the Liberal Democrat leader's answers, Clegg faced a barrage of tricky questions.

The Guardian

State guards Cat Barber and Desmond Lee shared a long embrace after buzzer.

The Guardian - Sport

The witnesses saw each face for three seconds; after two seconds a buzzer went off, indicating that they had to complete their identification in one second.

The Economist

As soon as the final buzzer sounded, Pacers Coach Frank Vogel began fielding criticism for his decision to bench Hibbert for the game's final 2.2 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

In the men's heavyweight category, Anthony Obame from Gabon landed the match-winning kick on the buzzer against Bahri Tanrikulu, a three-time world champion from Turkey, before going on to take second place overall.

The Economist

To stand any chance of winning, contestants on "Jeopardy!" have to hit the buzzer with a correct answer within three seconds.

The Economist

A dispute between labour and management at a factory in Tennessee over of all things—a buzzer that sounded the coffee break opened his eyes to the factory's ridiculous, top-down management style.

The Economist

This conclusion finds support in the very rapid extinction of conditioned eyeblink responses to a buzzer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, instead of giving food pellets (as to a rat), an experimenter delivers praise to a human subject; rather than receiving feedback by electric shock, the human can be guided by a needle moving on a dial or a buzzer signaling an error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conversely, an external stimulus such as a buzzer or flashing light, which is readily established as a signal for shock, is only with great difficulty associated with illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But even if a novel buzzer is sounded while they are drinking and they are then made ill, they will not associate the buzzer with the illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about time-sensitive situations in sports or games, use "buzzer" to emphasize the urgency of a last-second event. For example, "He scored a buzzer-beater."

Common error

Avoid using "buzzer" interchangeably with words like "ringer" or "chime" if you specifically want to emphasize the harsh, buzzing sound. A "buzzer" typically indicates a more urgent or abrupt alert compared to a softer "chime".

Linguistic Context

The word "buzzer" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a device that makes a buzzing sound, as Ludwig AI confirms. Examples show its use in describing physical objects and the sounds they produce.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

23%

Independent

15%

Less common in

The New Yorker

9%

OtherRelated

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "buzzer" is a common noun that primarily refers to a device making a buzzing sound used for signaling or alerting, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Analysis of examples reveals its frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and general media. The term functions neutrally, suitable for various contexts without specific register constraints. While seemingly simple, effective writing requires attention to its specific sound qualities and not confusing it with similar-sounding alerts like a "chime" or "ringer". It is particularly useful in sports writing, especially when describing “buzzer beaters”.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alarm

This is a broader term referring to any device that signals a warning or alert with an audible sound.

ringer

This term refers to a device that makes a ringing sound, often used in telephones or doorbells.

doorbell

This is a specific type of signaling device used at a door to announce a visitor's presence.

chime

This refers to a set of tuned percussion instruments that produce a melodious sound, often used as a doorbell alternative.

gong

This is a percussion instrument that produces a resonant sound when struck, often used for signaling in specific settings.

beep

A short, high-pitched tone, often used as a simple alert or confirmation signal.

ringtone

The sound a phone makes when receiving a call.

siren

A loud wailing sound, often used by emergency vehicles or as a warning signal.

signal

This refers to any type of indicator, not necessarily auditory, used to convey information or a warning.

alert

This refers to a warning signal to attract attention to some danger

FAQs

How is the term "buzzer" used in sports contexts?

In sports, a "buzzer" often refers to the sound that signals the end of a period or game. A "buzzer beater" is a shot made right before the buzzer sounds, winning the game or tying the score.

What are some devices that commonly use a buzzer?

Buzzers are frequently used in various devices to signal an alert or action, such as timers, game show consoles, doorbells, and electronic equipment. They provide an audible notification to the user.

Which term is more appropriate: "buzzer" or "alarm"?

The choice between "buzzer" and "alarm" depends on the context. "Alarm" is a broader term for any warning signal, while "buzzer" refers specifically to a device that produces a buzzing sound. If the specific buzzing sound is relevant, "buzzer" is more appropriate.

Can "buzzer" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "buzzer" can be used metaphorically to describe something that abruptly interrupts or signals the end of something. For example, "His bad joke was the buzzer on an otherwise pleasant conversation".