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.

We went to the Norton Simon Museum together in November, on the kind of gray Pasadena day when the 210 Freeway roars in the background like white noise.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

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

That's a common trait of music generated on apps like Suno and Udio - partly because of the way they start with white noise and gradually refine it until it resembles music.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

The sound that came over the speakers wasn’t really white noise.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken