A common example of an intermittent sound is:

An intermittent sound is characterized by a pattern of on-and-off occurrences, rather than being continuous. A jackhammer fits this definition well, as it operates in bursts, producing sound at distinct intervals based on its mechanical action. The sound is typically loud and can be heard in short bursts, followed by pauses, which is the essence of what makes a sound intermittent.

In contrast, a quiet hum is generally a sustained sound without interruption. A train whistle, while it may not be constant, often has a more predictable and continuous pattern when it blows, typically associated with a long duration. Distant thunder, although it may roll and fade, often has an underlying continuous rumble to it, especially during storms. Each of these examples does not exemplify the clear, repetitive on-and-off nature that defines an intermittent sound as effectively as a jackhammer does.