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

Amid the current gourmand craze, that sensory appeal goes a long way—and helps explain why honey is having a moment in fragrance as well. — Lauren Valenti, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

The hallways in the educational building are lined with sensory games reminiscent of a science museum. — Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

According to the release, guests can experience the themes, sensory references and visual storytelling that informed the Vansza designs. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Written by Horacio Alcalá, Yolanda Barrasa and Joaquin Meneses, the sensory thriller is produced by The Aurora Project, Spectrum Films and Ginger Pictures. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 9 Sep. 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