adjective
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of or relating to the senses or the power of sensation
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of or relating to those processes and structures within an organism that receive stimuli from the environment and convey them to the brain
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sensory
Explanation
The adjective sensory describes something relating to sensation — something that you feel with your physical senses. Sticking a knife into a toaster will give you a sensory experience, but so will smelling a rose. Stick with the rose. Sensory comes from the Latin word sentire, meaning "to perceive, feel." Sampling your mom's blueberry pie is a sensory experience — you can smell it, you can taste it, and the crust has a really good texture. You may get sensory overload when you're in New York City because there's so much for your senses to take in. Sensory can also describe a nerve fiber, such as a sensory neuron, that carries impulses to the nerve centers in your body.
Vocabulary lists containing sensory
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 4
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ACT Vocabulary List
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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.
As the vessels multiply, they can contribute to inflammation and encourage the growth of sensory nerves involved in transmitting pain.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026
When prolonged forward head posture changes the information coming from these sensory receptors, it may interfere with balance and coordination during everyday activities.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
Like Jones, Ms. Perry captures the sensory experience of death and the feeling of existing in a strange, panicked void.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
"Provisions include a sensory map to help visitors prepare for their visit, as well as dedicated tours during the exhibition run which will include an in-person audio-described tour," the spokesperson said.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
We feel somehow inferior and left out of things by all the marvelous sensory technology in the creatures around us.
From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas
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.
