sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

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

Synonyms of sensation

• feeling
• feel
• sense

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

As Mexico celebrated its World Cup-opening victory over South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a 2-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colors, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

In 1987, Valdez wrote and directed La Bamba, starring Lou Diamond Phillips as singer Ritchie Valens, a film that became a cultural sensation. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 June 2026

At four weeks, 59% of subjects reported symptom relief, with significant improvements in tired eye, burning sensation and headache. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 15 June 2026

But his solo brawl with Wei is all about sensation. —Andy Crump, IndieWire, 15 June 2026

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

Rhymes for sensation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

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- 

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