n. & v.
--n.
1. a sound, esp. a loud or unpleasant or undesired one.
2 a series of loud sounds, esp. shouts; a confused sound of voices and movements.
3 irregular fluctuations accompanying a transmitted signal but not relevant to it.
4 (in pl.) conventional remarks, or speechlike sounds without actual words (made sympathetic noises).
--v.
1. tr. (usu. in passive) make public; spread abroad (a person's fame or a fact).
2 intr. archaic make much noise.
Phrases and idioms:
make a noise
1. (usu. foll. by about) talk or complain much.
2 be much talked of; attain notoriety. noise-maker a device for making a loud noise at a festivity etc. noise pollution harmful or annoying noise. noises off sounds made off stage to be heard by the audience of a play.
Etymology: ME f. OF, outcry, disturbance, f. L nausea: see NAUSEA