buzzing noise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buzzing noise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sound that resembles a continuous humming or buzzing, often associated with insects or electronic devices. Example: "The buzzing noise of the bees filled the garden, creating a lively atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

There was a buzzing noise in his head.

The New Yorker

There was a buzzing noise coming from behind the mirror.

The New Yorker

You'll hear a sharp buzzing noise if you are discussing, say, the bond market.

The New York Times

But when the sun disappeared entirely, the buzzing noise made by bees' wings as they flew suddenly stopped.

Yale University

Although many have similar sound-producing structures, the whirring or buzzing noise common to heteropteran flight is caused by the rapidly moving flight mechanism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He held down the strings on the neck of the guitar and began strumming it fast, making an irritating, buzzing noise.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"You will hear some buzzing noises, but you won't feel anything," he reassures Burgon.

The Guardian

I heard buzzing noises from anything electrical, so I thought I had to turn everything off.

The Guardian

Characterised for us chiefly by their singing – technically, stridulations, buzzing noises made by rubbing their wings together – crickets are divided into two main families, true crickets and bush crickets (the latter known in the USA as katydids. And while we're on the subject of the USA, did you know that Buddy Holly's backing group was called The Crickets?).

Independent

A choir from the secondary school Tupou College regaled Duchess Meghan, formerly Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry with a lively anti-mosquito song, complete with buzzing noises, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Huffington Post

Your phone will make clicking and buzzing noises near a product that emits an electromagnetic field.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buzzing noise" to create a sense of unease or irritation. Its repetitive and often intrusive nature can effectively convey discomfort or tension in a scene.

Common error

Avoid using "buzzing noise" as a catch-all term for any indistinct or annoying sound. Consider if a more precise descriptor like "hum", "whirr", or "drone" would better capture the specific quality and source of the sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buzzing noise" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a particular type of sound. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buzzing noise" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a specific type of sound characterized by a continuous humming or vibrating tone. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. It's frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, its effectiveness lies in its ability to evoke a sense of unease or irritation. For greater precision, consider synonyms like "humming sound" or "whirring noise" to better capture the specific source and qualities of the sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humming sound

Replaces the 'buzzing' with 'humming', suggesting a more continuous and potentially lower-pitched sound.

droning sound

Substitutes 'buzzing' with 'droning', indicating a sustained, monotonous, and often dull sound.

whirring noise

Uses 'whirring' instead of 'buzzing', typically associated with rotating mechanisms or fast movements.

vibrating sound

Replaces 'buzzing' with 'vibrating', emphasizing the physical sensation of vibration creating the sound.

electrical hum

Specifies the source of the sound as electrical, replacing the general 'buzzing' with a more specific term.

insect drone

Identifies the source as insects, specifically using 'drone' to convey the sound of their collective buzzing.

low-frequency buzz

Adds the characteristic of being low-frequency to the buzzing sound, detailing its pitch.

persistent buzzing

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the buzzing sound by adding the adjective 'persistent'.

constant hum

Replaces 'buzzing' with 'hum' and emphasizes its continuous nature, indicating a steady and unbroken sound.

faint buzzing

Indicates that the buzzing sound is subtle or barely audible, emphasizing its low intensity.

FAQs

What does "buzzing noise" mean?

A "buzzing noise" refers to a sound characterized by a continuous humming or vibrating tone, often associated with insects, electrical devices, or machinery. It typically suggests a repetitive and somewhat irritating sound.

What are some synonyms for "buzzing noise"?

Alternatives to "buzzing noise" include "humming sound", "droning sound", "whirring noise", or "electrical hum", depending on the context and the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

How can I use "buzzing noise" in a sentence?

You can use "buzzing noise" to describe a sound in various contexts. For example: "The "buzzing noise" from the refrigerator was keeping me awake," or "I could hear the "buzzing noise" of bees in the garden."

Is "buzzing noise" a formal or informal expression?

"Buzzing noise" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly technical or scientific writing, a more precise term may be preferred depending on the context.