buzzword

noun

buzz·​word ˈbəz-ˌwərd 

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

The game is changing again and the buzzwords of the incoming managers are intensity, pressure and vertical football. — George Edwards, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Summary Leaders are increasingly sounding generic, often using similar buzzwords, a trend exacerbated by AI's ability to generate competent but unoriginal communication. — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

There are only a handful of terms worth knowing—and a few marketing buzzwords worth treating with a little skepticism. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

While blurring has turned into a 2026 cosmetic buzzword, finish has always been integral to Westman’s skin philosophy. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1