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

Founder Dina Kimmel learned about the power of this sensory equipment when her son Gabriel responded positively to consistent play on this specialized OT equipment and jumped from non-verbal at 3.5 years old to singing his ABCs! —Robert Reiss, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Harry’s sensory difficulties turned ordinary experiences into overwhelming challenges. —Erin McGregor, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

In an effort to expand its accessibility efforts for visitors with autism, the Museum offers a temporary sensory relief space, which provides complimentary sensory kits. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2025

For many children, returning to school now means facing an environment transformed from a nurturing place of learning into an arena of overwhelming sensory and social stimuli. —Elizabeth Austin, Time, 26 Mar. 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

Rhymes for sensory

• dispensary
• suspensory
• extrasensory
• multisensory
• somatosensory

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