plural noises
1
a
: sound entry 1
We heard unusual noises in the attic.
especially
: one that lacks an agreeable quality or is noticeably unpleasant or loud
traffic noise
… the City of Los Angeles proper has outlawed the use of blowers, citing the noise and dust they kick up as environmental hazards. —Marc Cooper
… this research doesn't specifically address noise-induced hearing loss, which is either caused by a single exposure to extremely loud sounds such as an explosion or by repeated exposure to loud or very loud sounds, such as blaring music. —Washington Post
see also noise pollution
b
: any sound that is undesired or interferes with one's hearing of something
I couldn't hear him over all the noise.
c
: loud, confused, or senseless shouting or outcry
the noise of the demonstrators
d
: the characteristic natural or routine sound or sounds of something (such as an animal or an environment)
the noise of the herons
the noise of the bubbling brook
She missed the noise of her hometown.
2
a
: an unwanted signal or a disturbance (such as static or a variation of voltage) in an electronic device or instrument (such as a radio or television)
broadly
: a disturbance interfering with the operation of a usually mechanical device or system
b
: electromagnetic radiation (such as light or radio waves) that is composed of several frequencies (see frequency sense 3b) and that involves random changes in frequency or amplitude (see amplitude sense 1b)
c
: irrelevant or meaningless data or output occurring along with desired information
The initial data includes a lot of noise that needs to be weeded out.
Too many variables (what statisticians call "noise")—occupation, personal habits, diet, the presence of environmental insults other than the chemical in question, and so forth—exist in any given geographic area to allow clear linkages of diseases to specific contaminants.—Peter Rogers
3
a
: common talk : rumor
The noise goes, this: there is among the Greeks / A lord of Troyan blood, nephew to Hector; / They call him Ajax.—William Shakespeare
I know the noise is that many players in his position … would be putting up the insane numbers he has over the last couple of years. I don't agree with that. It takes a special talent to do what he's doing.—Carlan Gay and Scott Rafferty
But now folks are making noise about an unbeaten season and a national title run.—Brad Davis
b
: indirect, casual, or unofficial comments
Owner Ken Behring is making noise about moving the team, perhaps to a proposed new stadium in Los Angeles …—Johnette Howard
—usually pluralShe started making noises about running for office. [=she started saying things that showed she was thinking about running for office]
c
noises plural
: statements of a specified kind
The company has been making soothing/reassuring noises to calm the fears of investors.
In other words, the brand is definitely making all the right noises [=saying things that sound very appealing] for the developer community. But time will tell whether it follows up with solid action in this regard.—Hadlee Simons
4
: something that attracts attention
the play … will make little noise in the world—Brendan Gill
Serious historical research, still far more prevalent in Japan than in China, for obvious reasons, is gradually being drowned out by the noise of political rhetoric.—Ian Buruma
5
: something spoken or uttered
My dad made a loud noise when he hit his finger with the hammer.
6
: a style of rock music that is loud, often discordant, and usually uses electronic effects (such as feedback and distortion)
noiselessly
adverb
noised; noising
: to spread by rumor or report
—usually used with about or abroad
the scandal was quickly noised about
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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