buzzer
UK[ˈbʌzə]US[ˈbʌzər]
n
an electrical device that makes a buzzing sound, often used as a signal.
n
a device that makes a short, sharp sound in a game or contest to signal the end of a period or an action.
n
(informal) a thing that is very good or successful.
Morpheme Breakdown
buzz
er
buzz
sound
er
agent suffix
Etymology
the word 'buzzer' is a straightforward english formation built upon the onomatopoeic verb 'buzz', which imitates the continuous, low humming sound of an insect like a bee. the agent suffix '-er' is added to form a noun denoting an object that produces this specific sound. therefore, the literal construction 'thing that buzzes' directly and logically evolved into the modern term for an electrical or mechanical signaling device. its informal meaning as an outstanding thing is a later, figurative extension based on the idea of something that attracts attention, much like a buzzer's sound.
Analysis
Structure: buzz (sound) + er (agent suffix)
buzz (onomatopoeic, imitative of a humming sound; origin uncertain, likely from middle english bussen). er (agent noun suffix, indicating a person or thing that performs an action; from old english -ere, of germanic origin).
Examples
he pressed the buzzer on the intercom to be let into the building.
the contestant hit the buzzer before anyone else to answer the question.
that new song is a real buzzer; it's been at the top of the charts for weeks.