sensor

American  

[sen-sawr, -ser] / ˈsɛn sɔr, -sər /

noun

• sensors
  plural

1. a mechanical device sensitive to light, temperature, radiation level, or the like, that transmits a signal to a measuring or control instrument.

2. a sense organ.

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sensor British  

/ ˈsɛnsə /

noun

1. anything, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives a signal or stimulus and responds to it

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sensors
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sensor

First recorded in 1925–30; sense + -or ²

Explanation

An electronic device that measures changes in a physical quality (like light or temperature) is a sensor. Your kitchen smoke alarm has a sensor that detects the smoky evidence of your badly burned toast. Sensors, these tiny gadgets that detect a physical property, note any changes in it, and convey a message about it electronically, are found just about everywhere. They detect the presence of carbon monoxide in your house, tell you what the temperature is, and help drivers back up safely, alerting them of any obstacles. Smartphones themselves contain many sensors — detecting vibration, tilt, magnetic fields, and more. Sensor comes from a Latin root meaning "perceive or feel."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sensor sensors

Raytrix GmbH designed the MLA and mounted it directly onto the sensor to create the complete plenoptic imaging system.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 17, 2026

By April 19, the tilt sensor measurements were accelerating at a rate that made scientists determine a collapse was imminent.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Endotest is a spit test that looks for genetic material, and Endosure measures electrical signals in the gut using sensor pads on the abdomen.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Hensoldt is facing greater competition in its sensor business, while Renk shares are relatively expensive compared with peers, MWB says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

“I think it has a motion sensor? Alkean smart-home technology. Who’d a thunk it?”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

If that approach proves practical, it could eventually help scientists develop more sensitive sensors and ultrathin electronic devices.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 17, 2026

And another thing to bear in mind - taking pictures and videos of the Sun with your phone can also damage its sensors, according to Nasa's guidance, external.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Waymo’s taxis are retrofitted existing vehicles with autonomous technology added including cameras and sensors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

Whoop is relatively beefy too, but you can hide its sensors in compatible clothing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

On the morning of the 13th, sensors in the engine room had registered radiation levels on deck at more than twice normal.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland