noise

Universal Words noun 1 [C,U] a sound, especially when it is loud, unpleasant or disturbing: a rattling noise * What's that noise? * Don't make so much noise. * I was woken by the noise of a car starting up. * We had to shout above the noise of the traffic. * to monitor / reduce noise levels 2 [U] (technical) extra electrical or electronic signals that are not part of the signal that is being broadcast or TRANSMITTED and which may damage it IDIOMS make a noise (about sth) (informal) to complain loudly make noises (about sth) (informal) 1 to talk in an indirect way about sth that you think you might do: The company has been making noises about closing several factories. 2 to complain about sth make soothing, encouraging, reassuring, etc. noises to make remarks of the kind mentioned, even when that is not what you really think: He made all the right noises at the meeting yesterday (= said what people wanted to hear). moreatBIGadj. ______________________________ WHICHWORD? noise / sound Sound is a general word for anything you hear: strange sounds and smells * She could hear the sound of children laughing. Do not use words like much or a lot of with sound. Noise is usually loud and unpleasant: What a terrible noise! It can be uncountable: Try not to make so much noise. Racket and din (especially BrE) are informal words for a loud unpleasant noise that continues for a time: Who's making all that racket? * What a terrible din! ______________________________