sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
d
: an indefinite bodily feeling
a sensation of buoyancy
2
: something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
their elopement caused a sensation
b
: a cause of such excitement
the show was the musical sensation of the season
especially : one (such as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding
the rookie hitting sensation of the American League

Examples of sensation in a Sentence

I experienced a stinging sensation in my arm. She felt a burning sensation in her throat. She craved new experiences and sensations. She had the strange sensation that someone was watching her. I couldn't quite shake the sensation that I'd been fooled. Her injury left her with no sensation in her legs.
Recent Examples on the Web Unexplained fatigue, vision problems like blurriness or double vision, persistent tingling or numbness sensations, muscle weakness or balance issues that don’t seem to improve could all be signs. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2024 This special vehicle will thus approximate, for its owner, some of the joys and sensations of being an actual superhero. Brett Berk, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2024 The team added Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto last off season on a 12-year, $325 million deal. Yumi Asada, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Create an intention to conscious of your thoughts, feelings and sensations—and fully engage in the present moment. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sensation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensation was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near sensation

Cite this Entry

“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: an indefinite bodily feeling
2
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
b
: a cause of such excitement

Medical Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən, sən- How to pronounce sensation (audio)
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
2
: something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on sensation

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