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

Two key features of scorpions — the sting at the end of the tail and comblike sensory organs called pectines on scorpions’ underside — have not been found, said Dunlop, who was an author on the 2015 paper and a reviewer of the new study. —Shraddha Chakradhar, CNN Money, 10 June 2026

Scentscaping is the deliberate use of fragrance in a home to influence mood, energy and the overall sensory feel of a space — think of it as interior design for your nose. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

And perhaps the best way to get the full sensory experience of an unfamiliar place is by seeing it on foot. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026

Squishy, slimy, foamy sensory toys are all the rage right now, from NeeDoh to squishy dumplings. —Parents, 6 June 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