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

Occasionally the studio will play white noise to help exercisers focus.

From Los Angeles Times

It fizzes with white noise punctuated by short bursts of music and words.

From BBC

It also increased the number of streams a track needs in a 12 month period before royalties can be paid, and extended the minimum track length for noise recordings like white noise tracks.

From BBC

We also spent a moment in an overdub room, mimicking the creation of white noise from a crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

You may have heard of white noise used to mask background sounds.

From Seattle Times