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

Higher levels of pro-inflammatory proteins from any source have been linked to neurological and sensory processing differences in conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and autism. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

He is best known for his work on sensory substitution, time perception, brain plasticity, synesthesia, and neurolaw. — Big Think, 6 Aug. 2026

For a crash course on the region, its terroir, and what’s causing the bubbles in your glass, start at Pressoria, an interactive, sensory-focused journey that takes place in Pommery’s former pressing center that also ends with a tasting. — Lane Nieset, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026

Their conversation covers how pain serves an evolutionary purpose, how researchers measure pain and pleasure in the lab despite the absence of any objective biomarker, and how touch functions as a social and emotional signal, not just a sensory one. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 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