bourdonnement
/buʁ.dɔn.mɑ̃/
The English word 'buzz' can be translated into French as bourdonnement.
bourdonnement refers to the low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound produced by something.
Meaning: to make a low, continuous, humming or sibilant sound (verb)
Which one should you use?
While bourdonnement refers to a general buzzing sound, vrombissement is a formal term specifically used to describe the buzz or drone of machinery or vehicles. If you are referring to the social excitement or a noisy, uproarious situation, the informal term brouhaha is used instead. Additionally, if you are using 'buzz' as an informal way to say a telephone call, use coup de fil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun bourdonnement (buzzing) is the noun form related to the verb bourdonner, which means 'to buzz' or 'to hum'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /buʁ.dɔn.mɑ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word bourdon can refer to a bumblebee, a drone pipe in a bagpipe or even a large bell in a church.
- In French, bourdonner is often used metaphorically to describe a crowded room where people are talking quietly and constantly, similar to a hive of bees.
- In a musical context, a bourdon is not just a sound, but a specific term for a continuous drone or pedal point used in bagpipes or organ music. It functions as a structural element of the music rather than just a descriptive noise.
Examples in context
- Le bourdonnement des abeilles dans le jardin était apaisant.The buzzing of the bees in the garden was soothing.
- Le vrombissement du moteur était assourdissant dans la pièce.The buzz of the engine was deafening in the room.
- Le dernier film de ce réalisateur a vraiment eu un coup de projecteur.The latest movie by this director really created a buzz.
- L'abeille bourdonne dans le jardin.The bee is buzzing in the garden.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are in a quiet room.
- HugoEst-ce que tu entends ce bourdonnement ?Do you hear that buzzing?
- ChloéOui, ça vient sûrement de la lampe.Yes, it's probably coming from the lamp.
- HugoC'est vraiment agaçant pour travailler.It's really annoying for working.
- ChloéJe vais l'éteindre pour toi, Hugo.I will turn it off for you, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bourdonnement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
