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

Basic, uniform lighting can make even the best TV binges and movie nights feel a bit flat, video games less sensory-rich, and parties low-energy. —Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Feb. 2026

The sensory peak of the labyrinth is dedicated to the film’s central car crash, a sequence originally captured in a single, highly dangerous take using nine cameras. —Robert Lang, Deadline, 20 Feb. 2026

Fleming acts out each detail with gusto, and this full sensory barrage earns him his loudest round of applause yet. —John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026

Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy Putting on a wetsuit is a sensory nightmare, even in the best circumstances. —Mattie Friberg, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sensory

• autonomous sensory meridian response
• sensory area
• 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