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

• sensational
• sensitive
• sensorial
• sensuous

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

The Aventus Tower is a new approach to modular tower design serving as a playground centerpiece to welcome climbers and showcase slides and sensory activities. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

Source: Glyn Evans Sometimes, trips come with sensory experiences that other travelers don’t normally have. —Marylou Costa, Contributor, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025

The sensory stimulation, combined with the sheer number of passengers, is a bit of everything all at once, which made the Yacht Club an even more welcoming retreat. —Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 17 Jan. 2025

Refrigerate perishables after use, avoid cross-contamination and rely on sensory cues—smell, texture and color—rather than dates alone to evaluate food safety. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sensory

• autonomous sensory meridian response
• sensory area
• sensory overload

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