The term "background noise" refers to any unwanted or irrelevant sounds that are present in a particular environment, often causing distraction and interference. It can include various types of sound such as hissing, humming, buzzing, or other random noises that may not be easily identifiable but can still impact the quality of audio communication or perception. Background noise is typically distinguished from foreground noise, which refers to sounds that are intentionally produced and have a specific purpose or meaning.