rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynoiseUnwanted sound
noun / verb

noise

NOYZ/nɔɪz/

Unwanted or unpleasant sound.

The jackhammer's noise makes the man recoil and cover his ears.

An older man recoils and covers both ears beside a loudly vibrating jackhammer breaking pavement; its operator wears hearing protection.
Etymology
noiseOld Frenchdin, disturbance, uproar

Old French noise meant din, disturbance, or uproar, connecting sound with disruption. English also used it for sound generally, while the selected sense emphasizes unpleasantness; its deeper origin is uncertain.

In context

SCP Orientation6:41
she can hear a long alarming drone noise a continual roaring which has the texture of ambient noise and is continually getting louder
Your Last First Day (SCP Orientation Tales)

More examples

  • Please keep the noise down while the baby sleeps.
  • Strange noises from the engine worry me.
  • These earplugs help block traffic noise at night.

Forms

noise · noises · noised · noising

noisy adjective — Making or filled with loud, unpleasant sounds.

noisily adverb — In a way that makes loud sounds.

Similar words

racket
Especially loud, disruptive noise, often involving banging or clattering.
din
A loud, continuous mixture of sounds from multiple sources.
clamor
Loud shouting or outcry rather than unwanted sounds generally.