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

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

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