sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)-sə-rē 

ˈsen(t)s-rē

1

: of or relating to sensation or to the senses

sensory stimulation

2

: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent

sensory neurons

Synonyms

• sensational
• sensitive
• sensorial
• sensuous

Examples of sensory in a Sentence

A study was conducted on sensory stimulation and its effects on the brain.

trying to listen to music while watching the TV and eating dinner caused a sort of sensory overload

Recent Examples on the Web

This middle grade book explores intergenerational relationships alongside a unique sensory experience. —Rachel Clark, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

The Silence of My Hands | Dir. Manuel Acuña; 2024; Mexico; 80 min Rosa and Sai are committed to one another despite distance separating them in this sensory journey spoken entirely in sign language. —Addie Morfoot, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025

Elsewhere, this could only be a scene of sensory overload, but its eye-of-the-storm geography made the Bowl a kind of redoubt, cool and dark and almost hushed under the purple sky. —Michael Owen, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025

The next three hours revealed a parade of sensory delights. —Brad Japhe, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sensory

• autonomous sensory meridian response
• sensory area
• sensory overload

Kids Definition

sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

1

: of or relating to sensation or to the senses

sensory stimulation

2

: carrying nerve impulses from the sense organs toward or to the brain : afferent

a sensory nerve

Medical Definition

sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

1

: of or relating to sensation or the senses

sensory stimulation

sensory data

2

: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent

sensory nerve fibers