white noise

[ wahyt noiz, hwahyt ]

noun

1. Physics. Also called broad·band noise [brawd, -band , noiz]. a noise signal with a uniform frequency spectrum over a wide range of frequencies. Compare brown noise ( def ), pink noise ( def ).
2. Informal. Also called white sound [wahyt, , sound, hwahyt]. any steady, unobtrusive sound or pattern of sounds recorded from nature or produced electronically and used to mask unwanted noise or fill a discomforting silence:

   You can program the machine to play ocean waves, a rainforest, a thunderstorm, or whatever white noise helps you to relax.

white noise

noun

1. 1. sound or electrical noise that has a relatively wide continuous range of frequencies of uniform intensity
   2. noise containing all frequencies rising in level by six decibels every octave

Word History and Origins

Origin of white noise¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

If necessary, use an eye mask, ear plugs, or white noise to help tune out disruptions.

From The Daily Beast

For today's men, though, perhaps the key to modern manhood is more simple: Drown out the white noise.

From The Daily Beast

They reduce the tension to the visual equivalent of white noise and encourage musing as much as monitoring.

From The Daily Beast

You know how Bed Bath & Beyond sells those white noise machines that help you sleep?

From The Daily Beast

The computers' fans set up an effective white-noise shield, but even so, I closed the door and moved in close to her.

From Project Gutenberg

The white noise of the rain was too high, the rolling thunder too steady.

From Project Gutenberg

The voice emerged from that white-noise roar of water humming and sloshing back and forth in her basket.

From Project Gutenberg

The rush of water echoed off the cave walls, a white-noise shushing that sounded like skis cutting through powder.

From Project Gutenberg