buzzer — English Dictionary

Noun

1. One who, or that which, buzzes; an insect that buzzes.

   Examples

   And wants not buzzers to infect his ear / With pestilent speeches of his father's death.

   ... it left, however, a bee at his ear and an itch to transfer the buzzer's attentions and tease his darling; for she had betrayed herself as right good game.

2. A device that makes a buzzing sound.

   Examples

   If you think you know the answer to the question, hit the buzzer as fast as you can.

   More examples (1)

   If a train enters the forward section before its description has been transmitted, a "not described" lamp is illuminated on the transmitter, an alarm buzzer is sounded, and the lamp remains alight until a description has been transmitted.

3. A police badge.

   Usage

   • US usage
   • Slang

   Examples

   I flipped my wallet open on her desk and let her look at the buzzer pinned to the flap.

4. A run scored from an overthrow.

   Usage

   • Slang

5. A pickpocket.

   Usage

   • UK usage
   • Obsolete

   Examples

   The pickpocket was a Buzzer. The man who booked a room at a hotel, and went round the rooms of other guests, was a Snoozer.

   […] a 'buzzer', for whom picking pockets was an art […]

   More examples (1)

   You can't do the street stuff for ever, you lose your dexterity. I was the oldest and I was trained up for a buzzer — a street thief […]

6. A gossip.

   Usage

   • Obsolete

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Her brother is in secret come from France, Feeds on this wonder, keeps himself in clouds And wants not buzzers to infect his ear With pestilent speeches of his father's death.

Noun

1. a push button at an outer door that gives a ringing or buzzing signal when pushed

   Synonyms

   doorbellbell

   Broader terms

   push buttonpushbutton

2. a signaling device that makes a buzzing sound

   Broader terms

   signaling device