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

Post-renovation in-room amenities include Dyson hair dryers, white noise machines, plush robes, coffee and tea makers, and mini-fridges. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

Best of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star A calming song can help your little one wind down for bed in the best environment possible—in fact one survey recently found that some parents think that listening to music or white noise during bedtime helps their kids sleep better. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 3 Oct. 2025

For many across Russia, this has become white noise. —Nina Khrushcheva, Time, 3 Oct. 2025

The whir of the white noise machine that helped my daughter fall back asleep. —Aisha Muharrar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025

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