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

• sensorial

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

Tapping into its sensory guerrilla marketing tactics, the Intimissimi billboard spotlights an image of its viral Ultralight With Cashmere Boatneck top. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025

Many autistic kids are drawn to water, regardless of its temperature, because water offers a calming sensory effect. —Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Oct. 2025

Little hands can shake and rattle each sensory treat and tote them around the house. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025

Chen’s more sensory approach is being vindicated with all the awards. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 Oct. 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