buzzkill

noun

buzz·​kill ˈbəz-ˌkil How to pronounce buzzkill (audio)
: one that has a depressing or negative effect

Examples of buzzkill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Strategize on Timing Traffic can be a total buzzkill, especially on long weekends. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 30 June 2023 And wet shoes that can take days to dry are a spring vacation buzzkill. Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2023 Traffic Jams Traffic can be a buzzkill, especially on long weekends. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 16 June 2023 But this week, after last season’s disastrous 5-12 finish, McVay’s second consecutive postseason flirtation with a sabbatical, the trade or release of several marquee players and the team’s non-pursuit of free agents, the Rams are somewhat of a buzzkill. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2023 But creativity assessments by third-party raters, who did not know who was under the influence, were a buzzkill. Richard Sima, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Apr. 2023 BofA, too, is a buzzkill. Bernhard Warner, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2022 Talk about Luke being a buzzkill! Vulture, 2 Feb. 2022 Sorry to be a buzzkill. Washington Post, 28 June 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buzzkill.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buzzkill was in 1992

Dictionary Entries Near buzzkill

Cite this Entry

“Buzzkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buzzkill. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!