haptic

American  

[hap-tik] / ˈhæp tɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sense of touch.

   the haptic sensation of holding a real book in your hands.

2. Digital Technology. of or relating to tactile sensations and the sense of touch as a method of interacting with computers and electronic devices.

   smartphones that incorporate haptic feedback;

   haptic technology.

---

noun

1. Digital Technology. Usually haptics

   1. a vibration or other tactile sensation received from a computer or electronic device.

      You can save power by adjusting the haptics and brightness of your phone.

   2. an input or output device that senses the body's movements by means of physical contact with the user.

      joysticks and other haptics.

haptic British  

/ ˈhæptɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or based on the sense of touch

---

Etymology

Origin of haptic

First recorded in 1860–70; from Greek haptikós “able to grasp or perceive,” equivalent to háp(tein) “to grasp, sense, perceive” + -tikos adjective suffix ( see -tic)

Explanation

Anything that's haptic has to do with the sense of touch. When you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket, you're getting a haptic signal that your friend just texted you. Haptic is a technical term, and it's most often used to talk about new technology. Virtual reality games are much more "real" when haptic sensations are involved — in other words, when you can actually feel cool air around you or shifting ground under your feet, rather than simply seeing the virtual environment with your eyes. The word comes from a Greek root, haptikos, "able to come into contact with."

Example Sentences

To solve the training problem, new startups are using methods such as having people wear cameras and haptic gloves while doing chores at home, according to Rokseth.

From Barron's • Jan. 8, 2026

In the meantime, e-tron cars are going to be buck-wild with screens and haptic switches.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

An exception is a small Loewe bucket bag inspired by Josef’s early glass assemblage experiments when he was a Bauhaus student, which abounds with glass bobbles and haptic surprise.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

The seats use haptic technology, so every bass line and drum kick from the band can be felt from your chair — for those actually sitting and not standing up and dancing.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

I was seated in one of them and given a cheap visor and an even cheaper pair of haptic gloves.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline