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

Tribute to Adele' Hear Adele's discography in this live, multi-sensory musical experience. —Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026

The immersive slime experience is slated to open this summer at Metropolitan in Midtown, offering hands-on slime making, ASMR soundscapes and other sensory activities. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2026

Founded nearly a decade ago, Cognito is developing Spectris, a sensory stimulus device that looks a bit like a pair of sunglasses connected to over-ear headphones. —Mario Aguilar, STAT, 5 Mar. 2026

The designer recommends a more minimal approach to reduce sensory noise. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 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