sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯr  ˈsen(t)-sər 

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

: sense organ

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• detector

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

Now, that model is spreading to other domains: neural processing units for AI inference, digital signal processors for audio and vision, multi-protocol wireless stacks and sensor fusion engines. —Iri Trashanki, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Equipped with an intelligent rain sensor, the X7 pauses mowing during rain and resumes once the weather clears, protecting both your lawn and the machine. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

Construction of the bridge began in 2022 and has progressed rapidly thanks to advanced design software, prefabrication technologies, and the use of drones and sensors to monitor structural integrity. —Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

The full 32-camera system can capture 29 points on each athlete’s frame many times per second, adding to tracking data the league already gathers through sensors affixed to players’ pads and the ball. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for sensor

• censer
• censor
• denser
• fencer
• tensor
• biosensor
• condenser
• dispenser
• extensor

Kids Definition

sensor

noun

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

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

sen·​sor ˈsen-ˌsȯ(ə)r  ˈsen(t)-sər 

: 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