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 AmericaJoseph Nocera

Examples of white noise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An option often recommended for parents with young children struggling to sleep the benefits of white noise as a sleep aid for infants was most notably highlighted in a 1990 study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025 There are five different sound options, including gentle music, shushing, nature, deep breathing, and white noise. Anja Webb, Parents, 9 July 2025 Rather than simply masking conversations with traditional white noise, digital platforms are actively disrupting recording devices to provide a higher level of security. Melik Kaylan, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025 Add their favorite blanket or toy, and consider playing calming music or white noise to help muffle outside sounds. FOXNews.com, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for white noise

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of white noise was in 1943

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Cite this Entry

“White noise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20noise. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on white noise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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