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

"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

The sound of the river running beneath the home and over the falls was a constant but calming white noise.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman