noise

Noise is a sound, especially one that is loud, unpleasant, confusing, or unwanted. In everyday English, we usually use the word for sounds that disturb people rather than for sound in general. The honking of traffic during rush hour, a neighbor's drill early in the morning, or the constant buzz of a broken machine are all common examples. A sound can be called noise because of its volume, its harsh quality, or simply because it is happening at the wrong time.

That said, the idea is not always fully negative. What sounds exciting to one person may feel like noise to another. A musician may enjoy the wild sound of a distorted guitar, while someone trying to study in the next room may only hear an annoying interruption. In that way, the word often depends on the listener's experience and situation.

Beyond literal sound, "noise" is also used figuratively. We may speak about "political noise" when there is a lot of public argument and empty talk around an issue. In science and technology, the word can mean unwanted signals that make information less clear. "White noise," for example, is a steady mix of sounds often used to cover other sounds and help people relax or sleep.

Whether it is the rumble of a train, the chatter of a crowd, or the confusion around a public issue, noise suggests something that gets in the way, fills the space, or makes clear listening and clear thinking harder.