White noise Meaning and Definition
White Noise
Pronunciation
/ˈwaɪt ˈnoɪz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of noise that contains a mixture of all audible frequencies at the same intensity, often used to mask other distracting sounds.
Examples
- Some people use white noise to help them sleep by playing a fan or a white noise machine.
- White noise can be used to mask the sound of traffic or construction noise.
Synonyms
- Static
- Sea of Sound
Antonyms
- Distraction
- Quiet
Etymology
The term “white noise” was first used in the 1930s to describe the idea of a type of noise that contains all audible frequencies at the same intensity.
Usage Notes
White noise can be used in a variety of contexts, including in noise-cancelling headphones, white noise machines, and even in nature sounds.
Cultural References
White noise has been featured in various TV shows and movies, such as “The Office” and “The Big Bang Theory”, to depict characters’ thoughts or to create a soothing atmosphere.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “White noise” has also been used to describe the constant flow of information in the internet age.
Related Words or Phrases
- Noise
- Sound
- Silence
Collocations
- White noise machine
- White noise generator
Frequency of Use
White noise is a commonly used term in modern language, particularly in the context of sleep aids and noise-cancelling technology.
Common Misspellings
- Whine Noise
- Wiht Noise