(~es, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If something ~es or ~es somewhere, it makes a long continuous sound, like the noise a bee makes when it is flying.
The intercom ~ed and he pressed down the appropriate switch...
Attack helicopters ~ed across the city.
VERB: V, V prep/adv
•
Buzz is also a noun.
...the irritating ~ of an insect.
N-COUNT; SOUND
~ing
He switched off the transformer and the ~ing stopped.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If people are ~ing around, they are moving around quickly and busily. (WRITTEN)
A few tourists were ~ing about...
= race
VERB: V adv/prep
3.
If questions or ideas are ~ing around your head, or if your head is ~ing with questions or ideas, you are thinking about a lot of things, often in a confused way.
Many more questions were ~ing around in my head...
Top style consultants will leave you ~ing with new ideas.
VERB: V around in n, V with n, also V
4.
If a place is ~ing with activity or conversation, there is a lot of activity or conversation there, especially because something important or exciting is about to happen.
The rehearsal studio is ~ing with lunchtime activity...
...Hong Kong’s ~ing, pulsating atmosphere.
VERB: usu cont, V with n, V-ing, also V, V prep
5.
You can use ~ to refer to a long continuous sound, usually caused by lots of people talking at once.
A ~ of excitement filled the courtroom as the defendant was led in.
...the excited ~ of conversation.
N-SING: usu N of n
6.
If something gives you a ~, it makes you feel very happy or excited for a short time. (INFORMAL)
Performing still gives him a ~...
He got a ~ from creating confrontations.
N-SING
7.
You can use ~ to refer to a word, idea, or activity which has recently become extremely popular.
...the latest ~ phrase in garden design circles...
Sex education in schools was the ~ topic.
ADJ: ADJ n
8.
If an aircraft ~es a place, it flies low over it, usually in a threatening way.
American fighter planes ~ed the city.
VERB: V n