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

There’s mouth tape to promote breathing through the nose, white noise and blue light blockers to minimize sleep-disrupting stimulus, supplements to spur melatonin production, and sleep wearables to track your sleep. —Christine Yu, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025

Plus, the white noise effect of this machine may help to promote a more consistent sleep cycle. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 14 Mar. 2025

They are made with noise-canceling materials and come with streaming capabilities as well as white noise. —Maggie Slepian, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025

The clock also has white noise and nature soundscapes, along with an adjustable nightlight, sleep timer, and Bluetooth speaker for listening to music. —Terri Williams, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for white noise

• counterpoise
• equipoise
• alloys
• annoys
• carboys
• convoys
• cowboys
• deploys
• destroys
• employes
• employs
• enjoys

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