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

The rattle inside his body that had played the white noise to his life was hushed. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

Many parents who find white noise too harsh have gravitated toward green noise as a gentler alternative. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026

People who find white noise too harsh often gravitate toward green noise for its softer, more organic quality. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026

Get a good night’s rest with this white noise machine, which has 30 sounds (like gentle rain and sea waves) to lull you to sleep. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 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