sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)-sə-rē 

ˈsen(t)s-rē

1

: of or relating to sensation or to the senses

sensory stimulation

2

: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent

sensory neurons

Synonyms

• sensational
• sensitive
• sensorial
• sensuous

Examples of sensory in a Sentence

A study was conducted on sensory stimulation and its effects on the brain.

trying to listen to music while watching the TV and eating dinner caused a sort of sensory overload

Recent Examples on the Web

Nature, with its cultural saturation and sensory familiarity, is uniquely positioned to produce this effect. —Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

The insula, meanwhile, is key in pain processing and other sensory signaling. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 15 May 2025

According to some, binaural beats can lead to something called brainwave entrainment—essentially using sensory stimulations to affect brain's electrical activity. —Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025

Yates adds that peppermint oil works well for sensory support too. —Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 14 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sensory

• autonomous sensory meridian response
• sensory area
• sensory overload

Rhymes for sensory

• dispensary
• suspensory
• extrasensory
• multisensory
• somatosensory

Kids Definition

sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

1

: of or relating to sensation or to the senses

sensory stimulation

2

: carrying nerve impulses from the sense organs toward or to the brain : afferent

a sensory nerve

Medical Definition

sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē 

1

: of or relating to sensation or the senses

sensory stimulation

sensory data

2

: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent

sensory nerve fibers