pink noise

American  

[pingk noiz] / ˈpɪŋk ˈnɔɪz /

noun

Physics.

1. a noise signal related to white noise but lacking uniformity, having less power at higher frequencies and more power at lower frequencies; a gentle, steady background sound, like lapping waves or windblown leaves, that filters out distracting or sleep-disturbing noises: higher in pitch than brown noise.

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pink noise British  

noun

1. noise containing a mixture of frequencies, but excluding higher frequencies

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Etymology

Origin of pink noise

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

This increase in wakefulness was not seen when participants were exposed to aircraft noise alone or pink noise alone.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

A study by Dr. Phyllis Zee, professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, found sleeping with pink noise improves sleep quality and memory.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

As soon as the readings indicated that the subject had fallen into deep sleep, the computer played a series of very brief tones at certain frequencies, called pink noise, which sound like static.

From Science Daily • Oct. 5, 2023

For example, pink noise has reduced higher frequencies, which can resemble noises like rainfall or a waterfall.

From Salon • Jul. 23, 2023

Specifically, when analyzing how much power each frequency component within a musical piece tends to have, scientists find the same distribution as in pink noise.

From Scientific American • Aug. 19, 2020