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

At the same time, some of those treatments can make bedtime feel less than sexy — and a white noise machine can only mask so much. —Ian Kerner, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

Playing white noise or turning on the TV can also help drown out the evening’s festivities. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025

The lizards fled in response to smoke but were unphased by water vapor, wildfire sounds or white noise. —Clarissa Brincat, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025

And if you’re feeling compelled to listen to your own chants, white noises, meditations, etc. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 21 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