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

This leads to rapid muscle weakness, sensory loss, pain, and bladder and bowel dysfunction, according to the Cleveland Clinic medical center. — Rod McGuirk, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Our brain makes these predictions both consciously and unconsciously, relying on past sensory and physical experience to run the odds. — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

And at Awana Spa, a holistic approach to wellness offers sensory treatments designed to promote relaxation and renewal. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026

The researchers also detected these predictive responses in two sensory-processing regions of the thalamus, suggesting that anticipation involves multiple structures beneath the cerebral cortex. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 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