A2noun1K

Noise

UK /["/nɔɪz/"]/US /["/nɔɪz/"]/

Definition

a sound, especially when it is loud, unpleasant or frightening

In simple words: A sound that is loud or unpleasant.

Examples

  • The noise from the traffic made it hard to concentrate.
  • There was a loud noise coming from the construction site.
  • She couldn't sleep because of the noise next door.
  • He made a lot of noise when he dropped the books.
  • They complained about the noise during the late-night party.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. 'Noise' is appropriate to describe unwanted sound in environmental discussions, but can also be used informally when talking about distractions.

Grammar pattern

noise + noun (e.g. noise level)

Memory hint

Think of 'noise' as 'an annoying voice'.

Collocations

  • deafening
  • loud
  • awful
  • create
  • emit
  • generate
  • come from something
  • become louder
  • get louder
  • level
  • pollution
  • reduction
  • above the noise
  • over the noise
  • noise from

Synonyms

  • sound
  • racket
  • din
  • commotion
  • hustle

Antonyms

  • silence
  • calm
  • quiet

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'noisy' which describes something that makes noise.
  • Using 'noises' when talking about noise in general.
  • Misunderstanding 'noise' as only loud sound, ignoring softer unpleasant sounds.