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
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.
Green noise is a variation of white noise built from nature sounds like flowing rivers, rustling leaves and gentle rain, and it is often recommended for people kept awake by stress. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 Studies on white noise and ADHD symptoms have added another dimension. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 If your main issue is a snoring partner, a loud street or a racing mind that needs white noise, the research is encouraging. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 Noise Foot spas aren’t particularly noisy, but be aware that a lot of white noise can be bothersome. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for white noise

See All Rhymes for white noise

Browse Nearby Words

whitening stone
white noise
white-nosed guenon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“White noise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20noise. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about white noise

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