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

When pink noise was combined with aircraft noise, the effects were more pronounced.

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

There’s a growing buzz around pink noise, brown noise, green noise — a rainbow of soothing sounds — and their theoretical effects on sleep, concentration and the relaxation response.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 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