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 from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, published in the journal Sleep, found that pink noise reduced REM sleep and disrupted overall sleep recovery.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

While pink noise isn’t as low as white noise or as deep as brown noise, it’s still great for helping someone fall and stay asleep.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2024

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