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

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Etymology

Origin of sensor

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

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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

State leaders say they have used their own resources to shore up gaps left by CISA, such as paying for sensor technology that can detect unusual activity in election networks.

From Salon ● Oct. 26, 2026

The sensor also demonstrated impressive resistance to temperature changes.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

A new optical sensor costing just $10 could bring laboratory-level precision to wearable health monitors, potentially allowing people to track blood glucose without needles.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

“It fully integrates every single drone, every sensor and every shooting platform into just one single network,” he told a congressional committee earlier this year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

Shay’s hand slipped under the jacket to pull at her belly sensor, which meant she was nervous.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

At this point, Kim started thinking the shark might have problems with her snout's electromagnetic sensors, which she uses for navigation.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

The company’s technology stems from sensors used to detect land mines in war zones by looking for explosive residues.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 19, 2026

Satellite sensors identify wildfires by measuring infrared radiation, which reveals the heat generated by burning vegetation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

"Yes, soldiers from the Home Guard found videos from the vehicles' sensors stored in their systems," Lieutenant Colonel Per Gunnar Grosberghaugen, Norwegian Home Guard spokesperson, confirmed to AFP.

From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2026

The optical sensors seem to have mistaken Alpha and Beta Centauri for Canopus.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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