white noise

noun

1

a

: a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range compare pink noise

b

: a constant background noise

especially : one that drowns out other sounds

2

: meaningless or distracting commotion, hubbub, or chatter

the white noise of policy and politics in America

—Joseph Nocera

Examples of white noise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One, use a white noise machine or fan to drown out some of the crying. —Lauren Goode, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025

From babies to grandparents, the soft white noise can calm the mind and improve sleep every night. —Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024

This portable device from the sleep company Hatch plays soothing sounds (white noise, ocean sounds) to help your little one drift off to dreamland. —Perri Ormont Blumberg Fox News, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

Consider adding white noise, such as a TV, music, a fan, or even a white noise machine. —Jennifer Aldrich, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

white noise

noun

1

: an even mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range

2

: a constant background noise

especially : one that drowns out other sounds

Medical Definition

white noise

noun

: a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range that has been used to mask out unwanted noise interfering with sleep

called also white sound