burr 1 of 2

noun

ˈbər How to pronounce burr (audio)
Definition of burrnext
as in hum
a monotonous sound like that of an insect in motion heard the burr of a distant engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

burr

2 of 2

verb

as in to hum
to fly, turn, or move rapidly with a fluttering or vibratory sound the pitch burred past the batter's ear

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of burr
Noun
Naturalists note the golf course’s rolling hills host burr trees, cross country skiing trails, coyote paths and other scenic draws. — Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 16 May 2026 Their bestselling models use stainless steel blades, but Krups does offer burr grinders, too. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 His tone had a burr of excitement that didn’t match the words. — Josh Owens, HollywoodReporter, 14 Apr. 2026 Dust electronics with a microfiber cloth, and don't forget to clean cords and cables, where dust, hair, and other debris can turn into dust bunnies that cling like burrs. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for burr
Recent Examples of Synonyms for burr
  1. hum
  2. buzz
  3. purr
  4. zip
  5. rustle
  6. whisper
Noun
  • The seventh-floor lobby hums with Adorn Bar and Lounge, coworking tables, and live music Thursday through Sunday.
    — Rima Suqi, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • Tour the Town Founded in 1837, alongside its namesake Presbyterian school, Davidson’s heart lies in its picturesque downtown, which sits just a block from the hum of collegiate life.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
Definition of hum
Verb
  • For the most recent earnings season, these forecasting fruit flies buzzed around modeling 12% earnings growth for the quarter.
    — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • As the train approaches Portland, the view shifts again, with bridges, waterways, and buzzing streets.
    — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of buzz
Noun
  • Wafting odors of 100-octane gasoline and rumbling purrs of V8 engines punched through the overcast morning at Sonoma Raceway on Saturday as the Velocity Invitational car meet entered its second day.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2026
  • But a growing body of research suggests some of the most therapeutic sounds on earth are already in your home — your cat’s purr, rain on the window, birdsong outside.
    — Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026
Definition of purr
Verb
  • This El Nino, which formed only last month, already zipped past the weak stage and is now considered moderate with no indications of slowing its strengthening, the government forecast said.
    — Seth Borenstein, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • In the fourth minute, striker Kylian Mbappé just missed putting Les Bleus up early with a shot that zipped by the left post.
    — Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 9 July 2026
Definition of zip
Noun
  • All were filled with Chenier’s murmuring accordion, the rustle of a washboard player and slinky grooves.
    — Kevin McKeough, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
  • Everything is quiet apart from the rustle of leaves and the gentle murmur of voices from the bar.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of rustle
Noun
  • This filing was just the first whisper of redevelopment at the mall in years.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • Among other amateur butterfly afficionados and biologists who were likewise paying attention, a whisper of disquiet was spreading.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of whisper

Browse Nearby Words

burps
burr
burred
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Burr.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/burr. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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