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.

---

sensor British  

/ ˈsɛnsə /

noun

1. anything, such as a photoelectric cell, that receives a signal or stimulus and responds to it

---

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

Featuring a built-in biometric sensor based on heart rate, these blackout sleep goggles are meant to help relax even the most harried dad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Clark adds it has a 360-degree camera, a radar system for long range navigation, and an electronic radio sensor to pick up communications for intelligence gathering.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

There’s a catch, says Schuna: The more active your hands are, the more faulty the sensor readings can be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

The scientists directed a microwave pulse into a sensor built from two types of metals.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

“Look at that,” Brooklyn said, pointing at a sticker on top of the sensor.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti