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

An oscillating dub siren sounds against the chime of a triangle and crackling waves pitched to loud white noise. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026

But worry not about the loss of modern amenities, the rooms come equipped with special comforts from complimentary streaming services to white noise machines to complete your wind-down ritual. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Similarly, Jonathan Franzen writes in dark room with earplugs and noise cancelling headphones blasting pink noise (a deeper, more balanced version of white noise). — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026

The recommended sleep setup includes a mattress topper, two pillow firmness options, a spare blanket at the foot of the bed, blackout curtains or sleep masks and a white noise machine or earplugs. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

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