sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

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

Synonyms of sensation

• feeling
• feel
• sense

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

However, when the same physical sensations occur while watching a horror film or walking through a haunted house, the experience can feel more like excitement than genuine danger. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

From the start, the house was a sensation, raising eyebrows around town. — Web Behrens, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

The sensation feels fluid, though, appearing seamless even though a second of theatrical film takes about 24 still frames to animate. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026

The robotic surgery leaves smaller scars and increases sensation while offering faster recovery than a traditional procedure. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for sensation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

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- 

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