sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
d
: an indefinite bodily feeling
a sensation of buoyancy
2
: something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
their elopement caused a sensation
b
: a cause of such excitement
the show was the musical sensation of the season
especially : one (such as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding
the rookie hitting sensation of the American League

Examples of sensation in a Sentence

I experienced a stinging sensation in my arm. She felt a burning sensation in her throat. She craved new experiences and sensations. She had the strange sensation that someone was watching her. I couldn't quite shake the sensation that I'd been fooled. Her injury left her with no sensation in her legs.
Recent Examples on the Web Halsey visited 10-year-old social media sensation Bella Thomson, also known as Bella Brave. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 This could include some minor sensations at the site of your injury or a more general ache in the other muscles involved in your workout. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024 Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue was honored at the Brit Awards in London with the global icon award, recognizing her nearly 40-year career in music. Dan Heching, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 Uganda's Soft Ground Wrestling is getting attention worldwide and becoming an Internet sensation. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2024 By then, Brazilian funk was already an underground sensation, a result of DJs throwing huge parties that drew from funk and hip-hop in primarily Black favelas during the Seventies and Eighties. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2024 Research shows that a kleptomaniac’s impulsive decision-making may be tied to the need to seek new experiences and sensations, feeling excited by stealing or possibly a susceptibility to boredom. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 For some people, their seizure is a purely internal sensation. Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 Founded by Roberto Ben Shushan, who has led the agency to great international success and achievements, the Agency's ability to transform people from a state of anonymity to an international sensation has been proven continuously over the years. Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensation was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near sensation

Cite this Entry

“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: an indefinite bodily feeling
2
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
b
: a cause of such excitement

Medical Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən, sən- How to pronounce sensation (audio)
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
2
: something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on sensation

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