perceptual

adjective

per·​cep·​tu·​al (ˌ)pər-ˈsep-chə-wəl How to pronounce perceptual (audio)
-chəl,
-shwəl
: of, relating to, or involving perception especially in relation to immediate sensory experience
perceptually adverb

Examples of perceptual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But wine at altitude presents technical and perceptual challenges. Rachel King, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 With measurements from the eye, researchers were able to create both anatomical and perceptual models to simulate humpback whale perception. Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 30 May 2025 The sculpture’s location itself is one of total urban deletion and communicative displacement as much as the sculptural structure is one of perceptual withdrawal and refusal of even a minimum of gratifying tactility. Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025 Evidence of past lives? Dr. Jim Tucker, former director of perceptual studies at the University of Virginia's school of medicine, has studied thousands of cases in different countries of children reporting memories of past lives. Jane Arraf, NPR, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for perceptual

Word History

Etymology

percept + -ual (as in conceptual)

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perceptual was in 1878

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perceptual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perceptual. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

perceptual

adjective
: of, relating to, or involving perception especially in relation to immediate sensory experience
auditory perceptual deficits
perceptually adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on perceptual

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