Sound vs. Noise: What's the Difference?

Sound is a broad term that refers to any auditory experience created by vibrations that travel through a medium such as air, water, or solids to the ear. It is a mechanical wave that can be measured in terms of frequency, amplitude, and wavelength. Noise, on the other hand, usually refers to unwanted or disturbing sounds that interfere with normal hearing and can be unpleasant or harmful. It is often characterized by irregularities in the sound waves and is considered a form of sound pollution.

By signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
California residents, see our CA Privacy Notice.

Sound vs. Noise

How do you use the word sound in a sentence?

The word sound can be used to describe auditory sensations that are neutral or pleasant, indicating the presence of vibrations perceived by the ears. It is often used in a general sense to explain anything that can be heard, whether it is music, speech, or environmental noises. Sound plays an essential role in communication, alert systems, and in the ambiance of environments.
Examples of sound in a sentence
  • The sound of the waves crashing against the shore had a soothing effect.
  • During the concert, the sound from the speakers was crystal clear.
  • The engineers are working on soundproofing the room to prevent any external sound from entering.

How do you use the word noise in a sentence?

The word noise is employed when discussing any unwanted or disruptive auditory stimuli that can be jarring or bothersome. It is also used to describe excessive sound that causes discomfort or a hindrance to concentration or communication. In the context of communication and audio technology, noise can refer to background interference or static that affects the clarity of signals.
Examples of noise in a sentence
  • The construction noise outside made it difficult to concentrate on work.
  • He wore noise-canceling headphones to block out the cacophony of the busy street.
  • In audio recordings, electrical noise can degrade the quality of the sound.

Sound and noise definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Sound definition:
Sound (noun): Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person or animal's ear.

Sound parts of speech:
  • The ambient sound (noun) in the forest was a harmonious blend of birds chirping and leaves rustling.
  • When the bell rings, it sounds (verb) throughout the entire school indicating the end of the period.

Sound pronunciation:
Sound is pronounced as /saʊnd/.

Noise definition:
Noise (noun): A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.

Noise parts of speech:
  • The noise (noun) from the air conditioner was distracting during the movie.
  • The students started to noise (verb) about their displeasure with the new policy.

Noise pronunciation:
Noise is pronounced as /nɔɪz/.

Sound vs. Noise in a nutshell

While both sound and noise refer to auditory experiences, sound is an encompassing term for vibrations perceived by our ears. Noise specifically refers to sounds that are unwelcome, disruptive, or harmful. Sound can enrich environments and facilitate communication, whereas noise is often a source of irritation and is managed through various control methods. Understanding the distinction between sound and noise is crucial for fields such as acoustics, audio engineering, and environmental health.

Get AI Writing Assistance Wherever You Type

Make sure your vocabulary is on point and every punctuation mark is in the right place, no matter where you’re working. Grammarly works across more than 500,000 websites and apps so you can improve your writing without copying, pasting, or breaking focused.

Icons for Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Gmail, Microsoft Outlook, Sheets, Discord, Firefox, Salesforce, X, Reddit, Android, Ios

Great writing gets work done.

By signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. California residents, see our CA Privacy Notice.