What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buzzer
Example
The game show contestant pressed the buzzer to answer the question. [buzzer: noun]
Example
The doorbell has a buzzer that alerts us when someone is at the door. [buzzer: noun]
siren
Example
The ambulance rushed through the streets with its siren blaring. [siren: noun]
Example
The tornado warning was issued, and we could hear the siren in the distance. [siren: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Siren is more commonly used than buzzer in everyday language. Siren is often heard in emergency situations or as part of alarm systems, while buzzer is more specific to certain devices like games or doorbells.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between buzzer and siren?
While buzzer is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, siren is more commonly used in formal contexts due to its association with emergencies and alarms.
