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

The same goes for calling a tight boat-on-boat situation, where the coach can use their view of the racing to judge distances and closing speeds more accurately than sailors already operating in a state of sensory overload. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Right now, sensory toys are all the rage, so consider adding these $7 squishy toys to your cart. — Anja Webb, Parents, 15 Sep. 2026

Researchers have proposed that ongoing or intermittent viral replication within sensory neurons is likely continuing to damage or kill these cells months after the virus reactivates. — Andrew Bubak, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

What remains, however, is the builders’ deliberation in constructing emotive and sensory experience. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sensory

• autonomous sensory meridian response
• sensory area
• sensory deprivation
• 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