Definition of "noise" in English

noun

1. (uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.

   • He knew that it was trash day, when the garbage collectors made all the noise.

2. Any sound.

   • The sudden noise made everyone jump.
   • She crept up behind him not making a noise.

3. Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.

4. (technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.

   • signal-to-noise ratio

5. (statistics) Variation or deviation generated by random fluctuations.

6. (figurative, by extension) Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.

7. (genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.

8. Rumour or complaint.

   • The problems with the new computer system are causing a lot of noise at Head Office.
   • 1709-1710, Thomas Baker, Reflections on Learning What noise have we had for fome Years about Transplantation of diseases and transfusion of blood!
   • He [Socrates] lived in Athens during the great plague, which has made so much noise through all ages.

9. (informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.

10. (obsolete) Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.

11. (music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.

verb

1. (intransitive) To make a noise; to sound.

2. (transitive) To spread news of; to spread as rumor or gossip.