background noise

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd nɔɪz/

Definition

Any distracting or unwanted sounds that occur in an environment while other activities are taking place.

Examples

• She turned up the music to drown out the annoying background noise from the construction site next door.

• The microphone was so sensitive that it picked up every bit of background noise in the crowded coffee shop.

• In many modern offices, white noise machines are used to mask distracting background noise and improve concentration.

Synonyms of background noise

Words with a similar meaning to background noise:

• hum
• clutter
• ambient sound
• cacophony

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