noise pollution

American  

noun

1. unwanted or harmful noise, as from automobiles, airplanes, or industrial workplaces.

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noise pollution British  

noun

1. annoying or harmful noise in an environment

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noise pollution Scientific  

/ noiz /

1. Environmental noise, as from vehicles or machinery, that is annoying, distracting, or physically harmful. The physical effects can include hearing loss, tinnitus, stress, and sleeplessness. Noise pollution is usually considered in terms of its effects on human populations, though it is known to affect wildlife as well.

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Etymology

Origin of noise pollution

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

She worries about noise, pollution and spiking utility bills.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Second, we’ll spend more time in Creation—getting away from the stress, noise, pollution, and crowds of cities and suburbs—because we’ll discover that being close to nature is healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Ho Chi Minh City already ranks among the loudest cities in Asia, according to the United Nations, with noise pollution levels high enough to damage hearing.

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

The robots have eliminated noise pollution from gas-powered equipment around City Hall offices and conference rooms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Then the development of the steamship in the nineteenth century introduced an ominous source of noise pollution.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan