Sound vs. Noise: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 16, 2023
Sound refers to any vibration perceived by the ear, while Noise is an unwanted or disruptive Sound.
Key Differences
Sound is a general term that encompasses all audible vibrations or waves that travel through a medium, like air or water. It can be rhythmic, melodious, or even chaotic.
Noise, in contrast, specifically refers to Sounds that are disruptive, jarring, or undesired. Often, it's subjective as what may be Noise to one person could be a pleasant Sound to another.
For example, the Sound of rain can be soothing for many, symbolizing tranquility and calm. However, the same Sound may be considered Noise by someone trying to record a podcast or video.
In scientific terms, Sound can be measured and analyzed based on its frequency, amplitude, and wavelength. It serves as the broad category under which various auditory experiences fall.
Noise, on the other hand, often denotes Sounds that interfere with the clarity of audible information or disrupts one's peace and quiet. It can be constant, like the hum of an air conditioner, or sudden, like the blaring of a horn.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Audible vibration through a medium.
Unwanted or disruptive Sound.
Subjectivity
Neutral; can be positive or negative.
Typically perceived as negative.
Examples
Music, speech, natural sounds.
Traffic din, loud sirens, constant drilling.
Purpose
Conveys information or emotion.
Often interrupts or disrupts.
Characteristics
Can be rhythmic, harmonic, chaotic.
Usually jarring, irregular, or disturbing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sound and Noise Definitions
Sound
A particular auditory effect or character.
The orchestra produced a rich Sound.
Noise
A Sound that lacks musical quality.
He couldn't play the violin properly, and it just produced Noise.
Sound
A signal or tone used to convey information.
The alarm Sound indicated a fire in the building.
Noise
Random fluctuations that interfere with a clear signal.
The old radio had a lot of static Noise.
Sound
Vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing.
Noise
Sound or a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.
Sound
Transmitted vibrations of any frequency.
Noise
Sound or a sound of any kind
The only noise was the wind in the pines.
Sound
The sensation stimulated in the organs of hearing by such vibrations in the air or other medium.
Noise
A loud outcry or commotion
The noise of the mob.
A lot of noise over the new law.
Sound
Such sensations considered as a group.
Noise
(Physics) A disturbance, especially a random and persistent disturbance, that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal.
Sound
A distinctive noise
A hollow sound.
Noise
(Computers) Irrelevant or meaningless data.
Sound
The distance over which something can be heard
Within sound of my voice.
Noise
A complaint or protest.
Sound
An articulation made by the vocal apparatus
A vowel sound.
Noise
Rumor; talk.
Sound
The distinctive character of such an articulation
The words bear and bare have the same sound.
Noise
Noises Remarks or actions intended to convey a specific impression or to attract attention
"The U.S. is making appropriately friendly noises to the new Socialist Government" (Flora Lewis).
Sound
A mental impression; an implication
Didn't like the sound of the invitation.
Noise
To spread the rumor or report of.
Sound
Auditory material that is recorded, as for a movie.
Noise
(uncountable) Various sounds, usually unwanted or unpleasant.
He knew that it was trash day, when the garbage collectors made all the noise.
Sound
Meaningless noise.
Noise
Any sound.
The sudden noise made everyone jump.
She crept up behind him not making a noise.
Sound
(Music) A distinctive style, as of an orchestra or singer.
Noise
Sound or signal generated by random fluctuations.
Sound
(Archaic) Rumor; report.
Noise
(technology) Any part of a signal or data that reduces the clarity, precision, or quality of the desired output.
Signal-to-noise ratio
Sound
A long, relatively wide body of water, larger than a strait or a channel, connecting larger bodies of water.
Noise
Unwanted fuss or bustle; useless activity.
Sound
A long, wide ocean inlet.
Noise
(genetics) The measured level of variation in gene expression among cells, regardless of source, within a supposedly identical population.
Sound
(Archaic) The swim bladder of a fish.
Noise
Rumour or complaint.
The problems with the new computer system are causing a lot of noise at Head Office.
Sound
An instrument used to examine or explore body cavities, as for foreign bodies or other abnormalities, or to dilate strictures in them.
Noise
(informal) Speech that is suggestive of an attitude or opinion.
Sound
To make or give forth a sound
The siren sounded.
Noise
(obsolete) Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
Sound
To be given forth as a sound
The fanfare sounded.
Noise
(music) A genre of rock music that uses static and other non-musical sounds, also influenced by art rock.
Sound
To present a particular impression
That argument sounds reasonable.
Noise
(intransitive) To make a noise; to sound.
Sound
To cause to give forth or produce a sound
Sounded the gong.
Noise
(transitive) To spread news of; to spread as rumor or gossip.
Sound
To summon, announce, or signal by a sound
Sound a warning.
Noise
Sound of any kind.
The heavens turn about in a most rapid motion without noiseto us perceived.
Sound
(Linguistics) To articulate; pronounce
Sound a vowel.
Noise
Especially, loud, confused, or senseless sound; clamor; din.
Sound
To make known; celebrate
"Nations unborn your mighty names shall sound" (Alexander Pope).
Noise
Loud or continuous talk; general talk or discussion; rumor; report.
What noise have we had about transplantation of diseases and transfusion of blood!
Socrates lived in Athens during the great plague which has made so much noise in all ages.
Sound
To examine (a body organ or part) by causing to emit sound; auscultate.
Noise
Music, in general; a concert; also, a company of musicians; a band.
The king has his noise of gypsies.
Sound
To measure the depth of (water), especially by means of a weighted line; fathom.
Noise
To sound; to make a noise.
Sound
To try to learn the attitudes or opinions of
Sounded out her feelings.
Noise
To spread by rumor or report.
All these sayings were noised abroad.
Sound
To probe (a body cavity) with a sound.
Noise
To disturb with noise.
Sound
To measure depth.
Noise
Sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound);
He enjoyed the street noises
They heard indistinct noises of people talking
During the firework display that ended the gala the noise reached 98 decibels
Sound
To dive swiftly downward. Used of a marine mammal or a fish.
Noise
The auditory experience of sound that lacks musical quality; sound that is a disagreeable auditory experience;
Modern music is just noise to me
Sound
To look into a possibility; investigate.
Noise
Electrical or acoustic activity that can disturb communication
Sound
Free from defect, decay, or damage; in good condition
Is the bridge sound?.
Noise
A loud outcry of protest or complaint;
The announcement of the election recount caused a lot of noise
Whatever it was he didn't like it and he was going to let them know by making as loud a noise as he could
Sound
Free from disease or injury.
Noise
Incomprehensibility resulting from irrelevant information or meaningless facts or remarks;
All the noise in his speech concealed the fact that he didn't have anything to say
Sound
Marked by or showing common sense and good judgment; levelheaded
A sound approach to the problem.
Noise
The quality of lacking any predictable order or plan
Sound
Based on valid reasoning; having no logical flaws
A sound conclusion.
Sound reasoning.
Noise
Emit a noise
Sound
(Logic) Of or relating to an argument in which all the premises are true and the conclusion follows from the premises.
Noise
Unwanted or disturbing Sound.
Construction next door caused a lot of Noise.
Sound
Secure or stable
A partnership that started on a sound footing.
Noise
General chatter or uproar.
The Noise from the party next door kept him awake.
Sound
Financially secure or safe
A sound economy.
Noise
Irrelevant or superfluous information or activity.
There's a lot of Noise in the data, making it hard to discern a pattern.
Sound
Thorough; complete
Gave their rivals a sound thrashing.
Sound
Deep and unbroken; undisturbed
A sound sleep.
Sound
Compatible with an accepted point of view; orthodox
Sound doctrine.
Sound
Thoroughly; deeply
Sound asleep.
Sound
Healthy.
He was safe and sound.
In horse management a sound horse is one with no health problems that might affect its suitability for its intended work.
Sound
Complete, solid, or secure.
Fred assured me the floorboards were sound.
Sound
Having the property of soundness.
Sound
Good; acceptable; decent.
How are you? —I'm sound.
That's a sound track you're playing.
See that man over there? He's sound. You should get to know him.
Sound
(of sleep) Quiet and deep.
Sound asleep means sleeping peacefully, and often deeply.
Her sleep was sound.
Sound
Heavy; laid on with force.
A sound beating
Sound
Founded in law; legal; valid; not defective.
A sound title to land
Sound
Soundly.
Sound
Yes; used to show agreement or understanding, generally without much enthusiasm.
I found my jacket. — Sound.
Sound
A sensation perceived by the ear caused by the vibration of air or some other medium.
He turned when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him.
Nobody made a sound.
Sound
A vibration capable of causing such sensations.
Sound
(music) A distinctive style and sonority of a particular musician, orchestra, &.
Sound
Noise without meaning; empty noise.
Sound
, distance within which a certain noise may be heard.
Stay within the sound of my voice.
Sound
(phonetics) A segment as a part of spoken language, the smallest unit of spoken language, a speech sound.
Sound
A long narrow inlet, or a strait between the mainland and an island; also, a strait connecting two seas, or connecting a sea or lake with the ocean.
Puget Sound; Owen Sound; Long Island Sound
Sound
The air bladder of a fish.
Cod sounds are an esteemed article of food.
Sound
A long, thin probe for sounding or dilating body cavities or canals such as the urethra; a sonde.
Sound
(intransitive) To produce a sound.
When the horn sounds, take cover.
Sound
(copulative) To convey an impression by one's sound.
He sounded good when we last spoke.
That story sounds like a pack of lies!
Sound
(intransitive) To be conveyed in sound; to be spread or published; to convey intelligence by sound.
Sound
To resound.
Sound
To arise or to be recognizable as arising in or from a particular area of law, or as likely to result in a particular kind of legal remedy.
In my opinion this claim sounds in damages rather than in an injunction.
Sound
(transitive) To cause to produce a sound.
Sound the alarm!
He sounds the instrument.
Sound
To pronounce.
The "e" in "house" isn't sounded.
Sound
(intransitive) Dive downwards, used of a whale.
The whale sounded and eight hundred feet of heavy line streaked out of the line tub before he ended his dive.
Sound
To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.
When I sounded him, he appeared to favor the proposed deal.
Sound
Test; ascertain the depth of water with a sounding line or other device.
Mariners on sailing ships would sound the depth of the water with a weighted rope.
Sound
(medicine) To examine with the instrument called a sound or sonde, or by auscultation or percussion.
To sound a patient, or the bladder or urethra
Sound
The air bladder of a fish; as, cod sounds are an esteemed article of food.
Sound
A cuttlefish.
Sound
A narrow passage of water, or a strait between the mainland and an island; also, a strait connecting two seas, or connecting a sea or lake with the ocean; as, the Sound between the Baltic and the german Ocean; Long Island Sound.
The Sound of Denmark, where ships pay toll.
Sound
Any elongated instrument or probe, usually metallic, by which cavities of the body are sounded or explored, especially the bladder for stone, or the urethra for a stricture.
Sound
The peceived object occasioned by the impulse or vibration of a material substance affecting the ear; a sensation or perception of the mind received through the ear, and produced by the impulse or vibration of the air or other medium with which the ear is in contact; the effect of an impression made on the organs of hearing by an impulse or vibration of the air caused by a collision of bodies, or by other means; noise; report; as, the sound of a drum; the sound of the human voice; a horrid sound; a charming sound; a sharp, high, or shrill sound.
The warlike soundOf trumpets loud and clarions.
Sound
The occasion of sound; the impulse or vibration which would occasion sound to a percipient if present with unimpaired; hence, the theory of vibrations in elastic media such cause sound; as, a treatise on sound.
Sound
Noise without signification; empty noise; noise and nothing else.
Sense and not sound . . . must be the principle.
Sound
Whole; unbroken; unharmed; free from flaw, defect, or decay; perfect of the kind; as, sound timber; sound fruit; a sound tooth; a sound ship.
Sound
Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; - said of body or mind; as, a sound body; a sound constitution; a sound understanding.
Sound
Firm; strong; safe.
The brasswork here, how rich it is in beams,And how, besides, it makes the whole house sound.
Sound
Free from error; correct; right; honest; true; faithful; orthodox; - said of persons; as, a sound lawyer; a sound thinker.
Do not I know you a favorerOf this new seat? Ye are nor sound.
Sound
Founded in truth or right; supported by justice; not to be overthrown on refuted; not fallacious; as, sound argument or reasoning; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.
Sound
Heavy; laid on with force; as, a sound beating.
Sound
Undisturbed; deep; profound; as, sound sleep.
Sound
Founded in law; legal; valid; not defective; as, a sound title to land.
Sound
Soundly.
So sound he slept that naught might him awake.
Sound
To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.
Sound
Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.
I was in jest,And by that offer meant to sound your breast.
I've sounded my Numidians man by man.
Sound
To explore, as the bladder or urethra, with a sound; to examine with a sound; also, to examine by auscultation or percussion; as, to sound a patient.
Sound
To ascertain the depth of water with a sounding line or other device.
I sound as a shipman soundeth in the sea with his plummet to know the depth of sea.
Sound
To make a noise; to utter a voice; to make an impulse of the air that shall strike the organs of hearing with a perceptible effect.
How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues!
Sound
To be conveyed in sound; to be spread or published; to convey intelligence by sound.
From you sounded out the word of the Lord.
Sound
To make or convey a certain impression, or to have a certain import, when heard; hence, to seem; to appear; as, this reproof sounds harsh; the story sounds like an invention.
Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fearThings that do sound so fair?
Soun[d]ing in moral virtue was his speech.
Sound
To cause to make a noise; to play on; as, to sound a trumpet or a horn; to sound an alarm.
A bagpipe well could he play and soun[d].
Sound
To cause to exit as a sound; as, to sound a note with the voice, or on an instrument.
Sound
To order, direct, indicate, or proclain by a sound, or sounds; to give a signal for by a certain sound; as, to sound a retreat; to sound a parley.
The clock sounded the hour of noon.
Sound
To celebrate or honor by sounds; to cause to be reported; to publish or proclaim; as, to sound the praises of fame of a great man or a great exploit.
Sound
To examine the condition of (anything) by causing the same to emit sounds and noting their character; as, to sound a piece of timber; to sound a vase; to sound the lungs of a patient.
Sound
To signify; to import; to denote.
Soun[d]ing alway the increase of his winning.
Sound
The particular auditory effect produced by a given cause;
The sound of rain on the roof
The beautiful sound of music
Sound
The subjective sensation of hearing something;
He strained to hear the faint sounds
Sound
Mechanical vibrations transmitted by an elastic medium;
Falling trees make a sound in the forest even when no one is there to hear them
Sound
The sudden occurrence of an audible event;
The sound awakened them
Sound
The audible part of a transmitted signal;
They always raise the audio for commercials
Sound
(phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language
Sound
A narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water
Sound
A large ocean inlet or deep bay;
The main body of the sound ran parallel to the coast
Sound
Appear in a certain way;
This sounds interesting
Sound
Make a certain noise or sound;
She went `Mmmmm'
The gun went `bang'
Sound
Give off a certain sound or sounds;
This record sounds scratchy
Sound
Announce by means of a sound;
Sound the alarm
Sound
Utter with vibrating vocal chords
Sound
Cause to sound;
Sound the bell
Sound a certain note
Sound
Measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
Sound
Financially secure and safe;
Sound investments
A sound economy
Sound
Exercising or showing good judgment;
Healthy scepticism
A healthy fear of rattlesnakes
The healthy attitude of French laws
Healthy relations between labor and management
An intelligent solution
A sound approach to the problem
Sound advice
No sound explanation for his decision
Sound
In good condition; free from defect or damage or decay;
A sound timber
The wall is sound
A sound foundation
Sound
In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body
Sound
Reflects weight of sound argument or evidence;
A sound argument
Sound
Having legal efficacy or force;
A sound title to the property
Sound
Free from moral defect;
A man of sound character
Sound
(of sleep) deep and complete;
A heavy sleep
Fell into a profound sleep
A sound sleeper
Deep wakeless sleep
Sound
Thorough;
A sound thrashing
Sound
Deeply or completely;
Slept soundly through the storm
Is sound asleep
Sound
Vibrations that travel through a medium and can be heard.
The Sound of the ocean waves was calming.
Sound
An auditory impression formed by the ear.
The distant Sound of thunder warned of an approaching storm.
Sound
An auditory element used in various mediums.
The film's Sound design was impeccable.
FAQs
Can Sound travel in a vacuum?
No, Sound requires a medium, like air or water, to travel. It doesn't propagate in a vacuum.
What causes Sound?
Sound is caused by vibrations of an object, creating pressure waves in a medium like air or water.
Is Noise always considered negative?
While Noise is often viewed as unwanted Sound, it's subjective and can be neutral or even positive for some people.
Why do some Sounds relax us?
Certain Sounds, like nature sounds or soft music, can trigger relaxation responses in the brain.
Is Sound energy?
Yes, Sound is a type of kinetic energy caused by vibrating objects.
Is there a measurement for Noise levels?
Yes, Noise levels are often measured in decibels (dB).
Are there Sounds that humans can't hear?
Yes, Sounds outside the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, like ultrasonic and infrasound, are typically inaudible to humans.
Can silence be considered the absence of Sound?
Technically, yes. Silence is a state with minimal Sound or Noise.
How is Sound used in communication?
Sound, in the form of speech or music, is a primary mode of human communication.
Is white Noise a type of Sound or Noise?
White Noise is a type of Sound with equal intensity across all frequencies, often used to mask other Noises.
Is Noise pollution harmful?
Yes, prolonged exposure to high levels of Noise can have adverse health effects.
Why do some people use Noise machines to sleep?
Noise machines produce consistent Sounds that can mask disruptive Noises, aiding in relaxation and sleep.
Can Noise damage hearing?
Prolonged exposure to loud Noise can indeed cause hearing loss.
How do animals use Sound?
Animals use Sound for communication, navigation, hunting, and sensing danger.
Can some Sounds heal or have therapeutic effects?
Yes, certain Sounds or frequencies, like binaural beats, are believed to have therapeutic benefits for the mind and body.
How does Sound travel in water compared to air?
Sound travels faster and farther in water than in air due to water's higher density.
Why is Noise control essential in urban planning?
Noise control improves residents' well-being, reduces stress, and enhances the overall living environment.
What's the role of Sound in films and movies?
Sound enhances storytelling, evokes emotions, and adds depth to visual elements in films.
How can one reduce Noise in a room?
Using soft furnishings, soundproofing materials, and sealing gaps can help reduce Noise.
What is ambient Noise?
Ambient Noise refers to the background Sound present in a setting, like the hum of an air conditioner or street chatter.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
