Definitions

white noise

[wahyt noiz, hwahyt] / ˈwaɪt ˈnɔɪz, ˈʰwaɪt /

NOUN

acoustical noise

Synonyms

WEAK

broadcasting noise electrical noise hiss hissing hum moan purl siss sissing white sound

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While our perception of salt, sweet and sour is reduced in the presence of white noise, umami is not, and tomatoes, and tomato juice is rich in umami.

From Science Daily • Feb. 9, 2026

"At some point, it becomes a bit of a white noise," he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

So there is a little bit, like, foreground, background, as far as what’s white noise and what comes up to the front.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

First, I was asked to sit, relax and listen to white noise through a set of headphones.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2025

I take some deep breaths—Dr. Cain would be so proud I remember her coping tricks—to try to get the static-y white noise in my brain to shut up.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell