noise

noise · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Sound, especially when loud, unpleasant, or disturbing.

  2. 2.

    (usually with "about") To spread news or rumors.

  3. 3.

    Irregular fluctuations that accompany a transmitted signal but are not part of it.

Forms

plural: noises

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    make noise — To create sound; to cause a commotion.
  • •
    noise pollution — Excessive or harmful sounds in the environment.

Related words

Antonyms: quiet, silence, stillness
See also: noisy, silence, sound
Synonyms: din, racket, sound

Etymology

From Old French noise ("uproar, brawl"), possibly from Latin nausea ("seasickness, disgust"). The semantic shift from "seasickness" to "loud sound" may reflect the sounds of distress.