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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After all, Bill can be a buzzkill, and the Hills’ other neighbors, such as the conspiratorial Dale Gribble across the alley and the holier-than-thou Minh and Kahn Souphanousinphone next door, are flawed too. Adrienne Matei, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2025 Another buzzkill was winning six of ten to stay in first place and then get outscored 56-34 during a second six-game losing streak highlighted by plenty of offense but hardly enough pitching and a skid that knocked the Yankees out first place. Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 The Rams this year averted another potential draft night buzzkill by agreeing to another adjustment for Stafford in February. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025 Smart phones have largely been a bit of a buzzkill for horror films, leading filmmakers to find all kinds of reasons — dead batteries, no service — to strand potential prey. Jake Coyle, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buzzkill

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of buzzkill was in 1992

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Cite this Entry

“Buzzkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buzzkill. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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