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zumbido means buzzing — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 1, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

zumbido

noun • /[soom-BEE-do]/

buzzing

Example:

Escucho un zumbido constante en el oído.

I hear constant buzzing in my ear.

🧠 What does zumbido mean?

A 'zumbido' is a continuous or intermittent sound, often described as buzzing, ringing, or humming. In a medical context, it most commonly refers to the perception of sound in the ears when no external sound is present, a condition known as tinnitus. More generally, 'zumbido' can also describe the sound made by insects like bees, or the low, steady noise produced by machinery.

📚 Extra examples

  • El paciente se quejó de un zumbido constante en el oído derecho.
    The patient complained of a constant buzzing in his right ear.
  • El zumbido de las abejas indicaba que la colmena estaba cerca.
    The buzzing of the bees indicated that the hive was nearby.
  • Para algunas personas, el zumbido de oídos puede ser muy molesto.
    For some people, the ringing in their ears can be very annoying.
  • No soporto el zumbido del viejo refrigerador por la noche.
    I can't stand the humming of the old refrigerator at night.
  • Había un zumbido de conversación en la sala de espera del hospital.
    There was a buzz of conversation in the hospital waiting room.

💡 Did You Know?

'Zumbido' is the common, everyday term for the medical symptom known technically as 'acúfeno', which is the Spanish equivalent of the English word 'tinnitus'. While 'acúfeno' would be used in a formal clinical report, a patient will almost always describe their symptom as a 'zumbido'.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "zumbido"

Synonyms: pitido, runrún, murmullo, acúfeno
Opposites: silencio, calma

🔍 See more medical spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'buzzing' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'buzzing' in Spanish is the noun 'zumbido'. The related verb 'to buzz' is 'zumbar'.
How do you pronounce 'zumbido' in Spanish?
'Zumbido' is pronounced /thoom-BEE-doh/ in Castilian Spanish or /soom-BEE-doh/ in Latin American Spanish. The stress falls on the second syllable, '-bi-'.
How do you use 'zumbido' in a sentence?
'Zumbido' is a masculine noun. For instance: 'Después del concierto, tenía un fuerte zumbido en los oídos.' (After the concert, I had a loud ringing in my ears.)
What is the English translation of 'zumbido'?
The English translation of 'zumbido' is 'buzzing', 'ringing', or 'humming'.
Does 'zumbido' change for gender or number?
'Zumbido' is a masculine noun. It has a plural form, 'zumbidos', used to refer to multiple or intermittent buzzing sounds. For example: 'A veces escucho zumbidos agudos.' (Sometimes I hear high-pitched ringing sounds.)
Is 'zumbido' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'zumbido' is a very common word. It is used in medical settings to describe tinnitus and in everyday conversation to describe the sounds of insects, electronics, or even a figurative 'buzz' of activity.
Does 'zumbido' have slang or double meanings?
The primary meaning of 'zumbido' relates to sound. Figuratively, it can describe a rumor or a general sense of excitement ('el zumbido de la ciudad'). It does not have common slang meanings.
Is 'zumbido' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'zumbido' are consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. The only significant variation is the pronunciation of the initial 'z'.

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