sensor

noun

1
: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (such as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)
2

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Sensors are used today almost everywhere. Radar guns bounce microwaves off moving cars. A burglar alarm may use a photosensor to detect when a beam of light has been broken, or may use ultrasonic sound waves that bounce off moving objects. Still other sensors may detect pressure (barometers) or chemicals (Breathalyzers and smoke detectors). Stud finders, used by carpenters to locate wooden studs under a wall, may employ magnets or radar. Wired gloves, which relay information about the position of the fingers, are used in virtual-reality environments. A cheap car alarm may be nothing but a shock sensor, in which a strong vibration will cause two metal surfaces to come together.

Examples of sensor in a Sentence

Image sensors are used in digital cameras. Infrared sensors can track an object's movement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Members wear a ring and pay a membership fee, to have their data measured through sensors hidden inside the band. Kate Matthams, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 Bear in mind that the Atom 2 does not include any sort of obstacle avoidance, while DJI puts forward sensors and automatic braking in its Flip. PC Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 The study, published in Science, demonstrates how DAS sensors at the Reykjanes Peninsula can give the public warnings on lava eruptions up to 30 minutes in advance. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025 For that reason, the app also utilizes real-time readings from the temperature, humidity and blood oxygen sensors. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sensor

Word History

Etymology

Latin sentire to perceive + English -or entry 1 — more at sense

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensor was circa 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Sensor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensor. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

sensor

noun
sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r How to pronounce sensor (audio)
ˈsen(t)-sər
: a device that detects a physical quantity (as a movement or a beam of light) and responds by transmitting a signal

Medical Definition

sensor

noun
: a device that responds to a physical stimulus (as heat, light, sound, pressure, magnetism, or a particular motion) and transmits a resulting impulse (as for measurement or operating a control)
also : sense organ

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