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 AmericaJoseph Nocera

Examples of white noise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Try using a white noise machine, running a fan, or playing ambient music. Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024 If the nighttime noise is out of your control, consider wearing earplugs or using a white noise machine. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024 Tower fans are generally quieter than other fans, producing a more consistent stream of white noise. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2024 The Hatch Restore 2 is a sunrise alarm clock, white noise machine, and bedside light rolled into one. Sarah Han and Annie Blackman, Allure, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for white noise 

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of white noise was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near white noise

Cite this Entry

“White noise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20noise. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on white noise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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