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 of sensory

• 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

One unique feature of dreaming is the breadth of memory access available, and the lack of external sensory constraints on the dreamworld (in other words, unlike waking, there is no constant form to the dreamworld, it is constructed endogenously from moment to moment). —Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025

Additionally, the park will have multiple sensory gardens for guests who want to break away to reset or relax. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

But for those plans that are pleasurable and meaningful for your family, Edwards recommends that parents still participate, while providing accommodations for their child’s sensory sensitivities. —Sara Rowe Mount, Parents, 24 Nov. 2025

For those with disabilities or sensory issues, the festival is wheelchair accessible, has quiet areas, and plans a dedicated Sensory Friendly Night to help stave off overstimulation. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 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