The term ANNOYING SOUND can be broken down into three crossword solutions: NOISE (5 letters), RASP (4 letters), and DRONE (5 letters). NOISE is a sound that is usually loud, sharp, and unpleasant. It can be caused by many things, such as machinery, traffic, or animals. RASP is a harsh, grating sound that is often made when speaking or breathing. It is usually associated with an angry or irritated tone of voice. DRONE is a continuous, low humming sound that can be either pleasant or irritating depending on the context. It is often used to describe the sound of an engine or other machinery.