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

As consumers got ready for Christmas, their focus shifted to gifting and holiday hosting, buying gift wrap cutters, mini strings of lights, sensory squeeze toys, and emergency fire blankets. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2025

The ease with which the formula glides across the lips is intended to mimic the sensory satisfaction of the nylon fabric on which Prada originally printed its whimsical banana design. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 June 2025

Also on the sensory front, James Folta made a big pot of Marcella Hazan’s three ingredient tomato sauce this week. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 June 2025

The school’s existing cafeteria will also be expanded and incorporate seating options for various students’ sensory needs. —Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 20 June 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