sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
d
: an indefinite bodily feeling
a sensation of buoyancy
2
: something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
their elopement caused a sensation
b
: a cause of such excitement
the show was the musical sensation of the season
especially : one (such as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding
the rookie hitting sensation of the American League

Examples of sensation in a Sentence

I experienced a stinging sensation in my arm. She felt a burning sensation in her throat. She craved new experiences and sensations. She had the strange sensation that someone was watching her. I couldn't quite shake the sensation that I'd been fooled. Her injury left her with no sensation in her legs.
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.
This sensation is intensified because your coworking relationships have been so good lately! Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025 Driven by Jonny Greenwood’s relentless score, the movie summons not only the images but the psycho-spiritual sensations of a country tearing itself apart. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 Sayer hopes that, in addition to becoming viral TikTok sensations, Neve and Nala will inspire people to foster or adopt a pet in need of a loving home. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The series, which features a theme song sung by viral sensations FLYANA BOSS, has made the rounds at San Diego Comic Con alongside being selected for the Micheaux Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival and the Black Girls Rock Film Fest. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensation

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensation was in 1557

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: an indefinite bodily feeling
2
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
b
: a cause of such excitement

Medical Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən, sən- How to pronounce sensation (audio)
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
2
: something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on sensation

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