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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The drawers also hold a Sonos speaker and white noise machine, which can be used to help fine tune the atmosphere of the space. Tim McKeough, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The sleek device is programmed with 20 sounds, some of which include white noise, rain, birds, a campfire, and waves. Toni Sutton, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024 Unfortunately, this leads to white noise that will not connect with customers. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 One, use a white noise machine or fan to drown out some of the crying. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025 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 12 Feb. 2025.

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

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