sensation
Americannoun
-
the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.
-
a mental condition or physical feeling resulting from stimulation of a sense organ or from internal bodily change, as cold or pain.
-
Physiology. the faculty of perception of stimuli.
-
a general feeling not directly attributable to any given stimulus, as discomfort, anxiety, or doubt.
-
a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.
-
a state of excited feeling or interest caused among a number of persons or throughout a community, as by some rumor or occurrence.
- Synonyms:
- perturbation, commotion, agitation, animation, stimulation, excitement
-
a cause of such feeling or interest.
The new Brazilian movie was the sensation of the film festival.
noun
-
the power of perceiving through the senses
-
a physical condition or experience resulting from the stimulation of one of the sense organs
a sensation of warmth
-
a general feeling or awareness
a sensation of fear
-
a state of widespread public excitement
his announcement caused a sensation
-
anything that causes such a state
your speech was a sensation
Related Words
See sense.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sensation
First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin sēnsātiōn- (stem of sēnsātiō ), equivalent to Late Latin sēnsāt(us) sensate + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
A sensation is a type of feeling, picked up by one of the five senses. Peppercorns will give you the sensation of a million tiny pinpricks on your tongue. A sensation is something from your senses. If you lose sensation in your feet, they are numb and it's time for you to get up and move around to restore blood flow. You can call something a sensation if it is wonderful and astonishing. Your parents will tell you that you were a sensation in the school play. Everyone will want to go see the special-effects movie that critics are calling a worldwide sensation.
Vocabulary lists containing sensation
Wonder Woman's Superpower Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Common Senses: Sent, Sens ("Feel")
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Cay
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Sabich case became an absolute sensation in the media, not just in America but also globally, and Longet was internationally labeled Aspen’s femme fatale.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
A declaration from basketball’s greatest sensation that he has limits, and won’t be provoked, poked, and pushed around.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
For years, scientists have searched for ways to move beyond prosthetic limbs and toward treatments capable of restoring natural movement, sensation, and function.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2026
The story created a sensation in Romania but prompted a team of suspicious journalists there to start asking questions.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
With every step, Ekon felt it—the distinct sensation of releasing a life raft and casting himself into unknown waters.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
