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

While certain sleep aids like white noise machines might improve rest, research on many popular sleep hacks, such as intermittent melatonin use, remains inconclusive. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

In the meantime, Sleepless can use an eye mask, soft ear plugs, and a white noise machine. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 1 Oct. 2024

And it’s even got a white noise machine attached to it! —Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2024

In the midst of our current heatwave, the once calming white noise of air conditioners now brings with it brrrrumps and crackles that weave in and out of my ears and bother me. —Avital Norman Nathman, Flow Space, 10 July 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