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

Create an optimal sleep environment: Use blackout curtains, wear an eye mask, run a white noise machine and avoid electronic devices before bed to ensure restful sleep during daylight hours. —Marco Buscaglia, Boston Herald, 19 May 2025

Diop conveys this transition through vacant corridors, black-lens security cameras, guard-booth windows, and white noise in the emptiness of the museum after visiting hours. —Armond White, National Review, 16 May 2025

Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows, and consider blackout curtains or white noise machines if needed. —Ankur Bindal, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Plus, there’s hardly anything more soothing than that gentle breeze and soft white noise to ease you into a restful sleep. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 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