What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
buzzing
Example
I could hear the buzzing of bees in the garden. [buzzing: noun]
Example
The air conditioner was buzzing softly in the background. [buzzing: present participle]
whirring
Example
The printer made a loud whirring noise as it printed the document. [whirring: adjective]
Example
I could hear the whirring of the blender as it mixed the ingredients. [whirring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Buzzing is more commonly used in everyday language, especially when referring to the sound made by insects or a low-pitched hum. Whirring is less common but is frequently used to describe the sound produced by mechanical devices or appliances.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between buzzing and whirring?
Both buzzing and whirring can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the specific situation. However, whirring may be considered slightly more technical or specialized due to its association with mechanical devices.
