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

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

See Examples For:

sensor sensors

AI models trained on proprietary data—decades of product formulas, sensor logs from machinery or customer transactions—can produce insights and predictions that off-the-shelf models can’t match.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

"To enable CAR T cells to detect and eliminate the disease-causing cells, we equip patients' own immune cells with a receptor that acts like a search sensor for CD19."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 30, 2026

“This truly takes a village,” said Vanessa Bailey, JPL instrument scientist for the coronagraph sensor that will aid in the search for other worlds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

While working as a guide with Arctic Wildlife Tours, Rikardsen rigged an underwater camera with a motion sensor beneath a seal's breathing hole, and then waited.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

The sensor even read her stomach muscles, which, it turned out, hoverboarders always clenched in anticipation of turns.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld

In healthcare technology, the nanolaser's ability to concentrate light into an extremely small area could support ultra-sensitive sensors and high-resolution imaging systems.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 11, 2026

Apple also announced updated versions of its entry-level AirPods and smart watches, the latter of which will have improved heart-rate sensors that can be paired with an updated Health app launching later this year.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Europe’s “drone shield” is a proposed multilayered defense network of sensors, electronic warfare systems and interceptor drones designed to protect the European Union’s eastern border from aerial threats.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

“We believe that the companies making the gears that move humanoid robots, the sensors that let them see and the chips that let them think will become more valuable over time.”

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 5, 2026

Professor Brown finished pulling the electrical sensors off my arms and legs, and I barely flinched as the sticky pads yanked out my arm and leg hair.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin