ASMR

abbreviation

1. autonomous sensory meridian response: a sensory phenomenon that occurs in response to low-volume audio stimuli, comprising a tingling sensation in the scalp, and sometimes including the neck or the back along the spine, along with a trancelike state of deep relaxation.

noun

1. a genre of audio or video recording featuring gentle whispers, crinkling paper, tapping fingers, or buzzing sounds that are intended to elicit a pleasurable or relaxing autonomous sensory meridian response.

   I go to sleep every night listening to ASMR now.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ASMR¹

First recorded in 2010–15; by abbreviation

Example Sentences

It is a kitchen of clicks and clacks, of ASMR, of packets ripped open and weekly restock hauls.

From Slate

The post is captioned, “ASMR: Illegal Alien Deportation Flight,” referring to the acronym for “autonomous sensory meridian response,” a pleasant physical sensation triggered by certain sounds that has become a popular genre of videos on some social media platforms.

From Salon

It could be good for my nervous system actually, because I’m watching ASMR.

From Los Angeles Times

Her treatments bring ASMR, short for autonomous sensory meridian response, into the physical world through intentionally gentle touch: back scratches with metal finger extensions, face tracing with feather-tipped wands, and subtle, soothing sounds that come from these careful movements across skin and through hair.

From Los Angeles Times

When the pandemic hit in 2020, she finally had the time to act, launching Friends with ASMR.

From Los Angeles Times