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

Eight received 40 Hz light and sound seven received white noise and steady light as a sham. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026

Half got the real treatment and half got a sham of white noise and steady light. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026

As a further precaution, consider adding background noise, like the TV or a white noise machine, to help muffle the sounds. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026

State officials downplayed the threat of a prolonged siege, dismissing the prospect of weekly disruptions as standard white noise. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 1 July 2026

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