sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

sən-

1

a

: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception

b

: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ

c

: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes

a sensation of hunger

d

: an indefinite bodily feeling

a sensation of buoyancy

2

: something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation

3

a

: a state of excited interest or feeling

their elopement caused a sensation

b

: a cause of such excitement

the show was the musical sensation of the season

especially : one (such as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding

the rookie hitting sensation of the American League

Synonyms

• feel
• feeling
• sense

Examples of sensation in a Sentence

I experienced a stinging sensation in my arm.

She felt a burning sensation in her throat.

She craved new experiences and sensations.

She had the strange sensation that someone was watching her.

I couldn't quite shake the sensation that I'd been fooled.

Her injury left her with no sensation in her legs.

Recent Examples on the Web

No adverse effects have been reported in clinical trials, although postmarketing reports have included infrequent complaints of burning sensation in the mouth. —Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024

Its mouth is thinner and offers more of a licking sensation than pulsing. —Amanda Chatel, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024

The result is a testament to that elusive fifth taste: umami, which is really more of a sensation than a taste. —Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

In other TikTok news, the social media sensation has released its Instagram-rivalling TikTok Notes app in Canada and Australia, with a wider rollout of the photo-sharing app set to follow. —David Meyer, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024

Open the door, and for a moment the sensation is nearly the same. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024

Since its debut, Bluey has grown from a hit TV series to an international sensation. —Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024

Symptoms of niacin toxicity include flushed skin, itching sensations, feelings of nausea, headaches, vomiting episodes, dizziness, and pain in the upper abdomen. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2024

The first film was a surprise sensation that weathered poor reviews and a day-and-date release on Peacock to land Blumhouse‘s top opening of all time with $78 million. —Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən 

sən-

1

a

: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ

b

: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ

c

: an indefinite bodily feeling

2

a

: a state of excited interest or feeling

b

: a cause of such excitement

Medical Definition

sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən, sən- 

1

a

: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception

b

: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ

c

: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes

a sensation of hunger

2

: something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation