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noise

n. · v.
US //ˈnɔɪz// UK //nˈɔɪz// noise
  1. 1 unpleasant sound (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a sound, especially one that is loud, unpleasant, or causes a disturbance.

    an acoustic disturbance or unwanted sound, often characterized by lack of harmony or excessive volume.

    Example

    The construction work outside made so much noise that I couldn't sleep.

    Example

    The constant background noise of the city often leads to increased stress levels among residents in high-density housing areas.
    Pitfall
    There were many noises in the street.
    There was a lot of noise in the street.

    Use 'noise' as an uncountable noun for a general atmosphere of sound. Use 'a noise' or 'noises' only for specific, individual sounds.

  2. 2 any sound (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a specific sound that you can hear.

    any audible sound, regardless of its quality or desirability.

    Example

    I heard a strange noise coming from the basement last night.

    Example

    The mechanic listened closely for any unusual noises that might indicate a failure in the engine's cooling system.
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  1. 3 signal interference (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Technology

    random information or static that makes a signal, like a photo or radio, less clear.

    random fluctuations or unwanted data that obscure the clarity of a signal or information set.

    Example

    There was too much noise on the phone line to hear what he was saying.

    Example

    The astronomer used a specialized filter to remove electronic noise from the digital images of the distant galaxy.
  2. 4 vague talk or rumors (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    talk or comments that show what people are thinking or feeling.

    informal speech or public comments that suggest a particular attitude, opinion, or rumor.

    Example

    The company is making positive noises about hiring more staff next year.

    Example

    Despite the official denial, there are persistent noises from within the ministry suggesting a major policy shift is imminent.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural as 'noises'.
  3. 5 experimental music (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a style of music that uses loud, non-musical sounds like static or machines.

    a genre of experimental music that prioritizes dissonance and non-traditional sound sources over melody and rhythm.

    Example

    He enjoys listening to noise and avant-garde jazz in his free time.

    Example

    The festival featured several noise artists who utilized industrial machinery and feedback loops to create an immersive wall of sound.

  4. 6 to spread rumors (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    to spread news or rumors about something.

    to spread a report or rumor extensively; most common in the passive construction 'noised abroad'.

    Example

    It was soon noised abroad that the king had fallen ill.

    Example

    The news of the discovery was noised abroad long before the official scientific paper could be published.

    Usage

    Usually appears as 'noised abroad'.
Origin

From Middle English noyse, noise, from Old French noise (“a dispute, wrangle, strife, noise”), of uncertain origin. According to some, from Latin nausia, nausea (“disgust, nausea”); according to others, from Latin noxia (“hurt, harm, damage, injury”); but neither explanation is satisfactory in regard to either form or sense. Potentially a reduced form of Old French enoiier (“to bother, to disturb”), from Latin inodio (“to make repulsive”) - which would make it a doublet of English annoy (“to bother, to irritate”) and English ennui (“boredom, jadedness, depression”). Compare Piedmontese nojé (“to bother, to annoy”), though this fails to explain the final /z/.

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