ASMR

noun

ˌā-ˌes-ˌem-ˈär 

1

: a pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect

It might sound like a bafflingly bizarre way to spend time on the internet. But for Maria's viewers, her voice and movements hold a certain magic: they can instill tranquillity, overcome insomnia—and induce a mysterious physical sensation known as … ASMR, wherein the body is flooded with waves of euphoric tingles.

—Caitlin Gibson

A survey found that the most common triggers for ASMR are whispering, personal attention, crisp sounds, slow movements, repetitive movements, and smiling.

—Cory Stieg

Although ASMR is not scientifically proven as yet and is largely an internet-driven phenomenon, it's garnered quite a following …

—Samantha Shanley

called also autonomous sensory meridian response

2

: something (such as someone whispering or brushing their hair) that triggers such a sensation

And since quarantine started, I've watched ASMR before bed almost every single night to fall asleep.

—Elana Morris

—often used before another noun

ASMR videos

Examples of ASMR in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Streamers on the site, known largely for its gaming and esports communities, have also built sizable audiences through activities such as engaging in casual conversation, cooking meals and performing ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, content. —Angela Yang, NBC News, 27 Mar. 2024

Mariko’s signature video style features simple meals and ASMR. —Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024

As someone who spent many a childhood sleepover playing with peel-off masks, this is definitely my kind of ASMR. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 14 Mar. 2024

In times of anxiety, anything can be a purveyor of ASMR. —Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024

Karlie Kloss and TikToker Emily Mariko Team Up to Make 2 Delicious Desserts in ASMR Cooking Videos Naturally, Mariko’s favorite recipe is the Sockeye Salmon with Sweet Heat Pan Sauce. —Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024

People can also opt for categories like Just Chatting, equivalent to live talk shows, and ASMR, where streamers can whisper, eat, or do anything that makes sounds for viewers, including rubbing slime over a microphone or popping bubble wrap. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2024

The app started to get saturated — with brands, movies, videogames, cats, ASMR, and more all battling for attention — which made marketing music both more expensive and less effective. —Elias Leight, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2024

But then Fontaine’s film does suggest that Ravel’s erotic imagination and his musical talent were fueled more by his almost ASMR relationship to sound than by fleshier, earthlier pursuits. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 4 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2011, in the meaning defined at sense 1