sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯr  ˈsen(t)-sər 

1

: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)

2

: sense organ

Did you know?

Sensors are used today almost everywhere. Radar guns bounce microwaves off moving cars. A burglar alarm may use a photosensor to detect when a beam of light has been broken, or may use ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off moving objects. Still other sensors may detect pressure (barometers) or chemicals (Breathalyzers and smoke detectors). Stud finders, used by carpenters to locate wooden studs under a wall, may employ magnets or radar. Wired gloves, which relay information about the position of the fingers, are used in virtual-reality environments. A cheap car alarm may be nothing but a shock sensor, in which a strong vibration will cause two metal surfaces to come together.

Synonyms

• detector

Examples of sensor in a Sentence

Image sensors are used in digital cameras.

Infrared sensors can track an object's movement.

Recent Examples on the Web

Imagine having a super-smart system that constantly monitors all the equipment – pumps, pipelines, and drilling rigs – using sensors that collect tons of data. —Jay R. Young, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

New traction and stability programming first needed to cope with the tires deforming significantly under hard acceleration and sending sensors haywire. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, ArsTechnica, 17 June 2025

The nine-hole mini-golf venue uses motion sensor technology to measure how many strokes a player takes to finish a course, among other tech infusions to the game of putt putt. —Richard Requena, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025

In addition, the Trump administration’s NASA budget proposal would cut some climate-relevant satellite missions, while stripping future NOAA satellites of climate science sensors. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 16 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin sentire to perceive + English -or entry 1 — more at sense

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sensor

• censer
• censor
• denser
• fencer
• tensor
• biosensor
• condenser
• dispenser
• extensor

Kids Definition

sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

ˈsen(t)-sər

: a device that detects a physical quantity (as a movement or a beam of light) and responds by transmitting a signal

Medical Definition

sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r  ˈsen(t)-sər 

: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)

also : sense organ