buzzword

noun

buzz·​word ˈbəz-ˌwərd How to pronounce buzzword (audio)
1
: an important-sounding usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymen
2
: a voguish word or phrase

called also buzz phrase

Examples of buzzword in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fun and structure are the buzzwords. — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 19 June 2026 Indeed, the buzzword salad left us queasy. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026 And now the buzzword has landed on your top shelf, offering the same core promise—a longer, healthier stretch of time—but for your face instead of your body. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 June 2026 There are different team members that the piece is passing through to ensure that perfection, to ensure that quality is not just a buzzword. — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for buzzword

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buzzword was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

buzzwig
buzzword
buzzworthy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buzzword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buzzword. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buzzword

Nglish: Translation of buzzword for Spanish Speakers

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