A synth oscillator makes sound by repeating a pattern of instantaneous amplitude over time — the waveform. A sine wave is the "purest" tone with zero harmonics; a square wave contains only odd harmonics for a hollow color; a sawtooth packs in every harmonic densely for the sharpest, richest tone; a triangle sits between sine and square, close to sine's softness with a touch of harmonic edge.
More harmonics (square, sawtooth) means a more aggressive, far-carrying sound — good for a notification that needs to grab attention briefly, but fatiguing over time. Sine and triangle stay soft and blend into the background, suited to gentle confirmation tones. Loud square/sawtooth waves in the low register (under 100Hz) clip easily on speakers and earbuds, so keep the gain lower there.
Used in synthesizers and 8-bit game sound (square), synth basslines and leads (sawtooth), woodwind emulation (square), and gentle UI tones (sine, triangle).
When to use
Pick square or sawtooth when a sound needs to grab attention (like a notification); pick sine or triangle for a gentle confirmation tone.