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.
Wellbeing and community are the buzzwords here, with an impeccable roster of classes and courses from yin yoga and primal movement to cookery, pickling and ceramics. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 But my advice is not to throw out your SEO strategy every time the buzzwords change. — Peter Boyd, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 For the past few years, the fashion buzzword du jour has been craft. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 An aggressive overhaul isn’t the goal this winter, and there will be no fancy buzzwords. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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