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

Slow movements steady your heart and nervous system. —Jennifer Moss, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2025

The human nervous system isn’t designed for permanent alertness, and yet that is precisely what many workplaces now demand. —Jon Rosemberg, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025

The nervous system, alerted by the light, seemed to stay ready for action. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 9 Dec. 2025

Creativity as Nervous System Regulation Her residency shows how powerful creativity can be for the nervous system. —Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2025

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