proprioception

noun

pro·​pri·​o·​cep·​tion ˌprō-prē-ō-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce proprioception (audio)
: the reception of stimuli produced within the organism

Examples of proprioception in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nature’s proprioception allows birds to feel the wind through their feathers and fish to sense water movement through their fins and skin, helping both stay perfectly balanced. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026 In terms of rehab and recovery, Vasireddy says the starting point is always a focus on joint range of motion, followed by proprioception (joint balance) and then strengthening. Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026 Specifically, exercises that require you to stand on one leg (like split squats), control your tempo (like slow reps), and follow complex patterns (like lunges with rotation) can improve something called proprioception—your body's innate sense of positioning in space, Carbone added. Allison Forsyth, Health, 17 Feb. 2026 Footwear also affects proprioception – the brain’s sense of where the body is in space – which relies on input from muscles, joints and tendons. Atom Sarkar, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for proprioception

Word History

Etymology

proprio(ceptive) + -ception (in reception)

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proprioception was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proprioception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proprioception. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

proprioception

noun
pro·​prio·​cep·​tion ˌprō-prē-ō-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce proprioception (audio)
: the reception of stimuli produced within the organism

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