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 male loneliness epidemic has become something of a buzzword, though research shows that loneliness is about equal across genders, and concentrated among younger people. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

The state’s top election official went on to attack the referendum campaign using a series of buzzwords that he’s repeatedly deployed throughout Missouri’s redistricting fight. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

The food industry was forced to abandon fuzzy marketing buzzwords in favor of concrete standards (like USDA Organic). — Titania Jordan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026

How marketing teams are evaluating a provider Teams choosing a partner for this work are learning to ask pointed questions instead of accepting a buzzword. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1