white noise
Definition of white noise
1a : a heterogeneous mixture of sound waves extending over a wide frequency range — compare pink noiseb : 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
Read the Latest from M-W
First Known Use of white noise
1943
Medical Dictionary
white noise
Medical Definition of white noise
: 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
Learn More about white noise
-
See words that rhyme with white noise Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about white noise
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up white noise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!