sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-rē 

ˈsen(t)-sə-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

But for audiences who have patiently waited to be clued in, the episode finally answers what the hell is going on with the show’s central character, who has experienced everything from hand tremors to full-on sensory breakdowns to a Doctor Doolittle-level ability to persuade animals. —Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 May 2024

That achievement marks the first time an animal has used the sensory hardware from another species to respond to the world, according to a statement from Columbia University. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2024

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