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

Instead, their new record is merely 47 minutes and 17 seconds of relative silence and white noise, a melancholy display of the sound of music if there’s no artists to actually create it. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2025

Using a white noise machine to assist with sleep onset associations. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025

Even with white noise and earplugs, the sound was unnerving to Ms. Kullen, who sent beseeching emails to the board and Halstead, the building’s management company. —David Segal, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

Playing calming music or white noises can also help pets relax and provide a soothing environment. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 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