sensor

American  

[sen-sawr, -ser] / ˈsɛn sɔr, -sər /

noun

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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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

But Polymarket did change the reference sensor on the Paris weather contract.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Using a specialist pressure sensor positioned within the model, they observed a distinctive pressure wave that transfers energy into the frontal region of the brain for the first time.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Arccos Golf, based in Stamford, Conn., started in 2012 with a tiny GPS device mounted on a golf club, a sensor that tracked a player’s yardage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“I’m really excited that my team is a part of such an important mission,” said Patty Ortiz, deputy project manager for the capsule sensor project at the center.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

We go through a door without a security sensor to keep it locked.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth