nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists call this adaptive concealment, the nervous system’s attempt to stay safe in threatening environments. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

Because the brain loves patterns, predictability is helpful for the nervous system to downshift more quickly. —Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

My entire nervous system knew that staying quiet and still was the only way to stay safe. —Sarah Hartshorne, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026

In addition to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome – a nervous system condition that has kept him out – Porzingis is continuing to rehab his Achilles. —Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system