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

Guests will notice that every attraction has a sensory guide indicating levels of stimuli for each sense. —Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024

Inclusive ticket of $140 includes a sensory evaluation class, a walk-around tasting of Santa Cruz Mountains wines, plus an exciting food and wine pairing competition with creations by students in the Cabrillo College Culinary program. —Laura Ness, The Mercury News, 21 Apr. 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