nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Studies have shown that losing yourself in the night sky can help calm the nervous system and increase happiness. — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026

For another way to soothe the nervous system, the resort’s Fall Equinox Celebration will center around sound healing and self-care. — Kim Foley MacKinnon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Scientists have known that the heart contains its own nervous system, called the intrinsic cardiac nervous system, for decades. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Sure, rhythmic, pattering rain can help regulate your nervous system, and trigger your autonomous sensory meridian response, but me? — Erita Chen, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system