sensual
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to, inclined to, or preoccupied with the gratification of the senses or appetites; carnal; fleshly.
-
lacking in moral restraints; lewd or unchaste.
- Synonyms:
- lascivious
-
arousing or exciting the senses or appetites.
-
of or relating to the senses or physical sensation; sensory.
-
pertaining to the philosophical doctrine of sensationalism.
adjective
-
of or relating to any of the senses or sense organs; bodily
-
strongly or unduly inclined to gratification of the senses
-
tending to arouse the bodily appetites, esp the sexual appetite
-
of or relating to sensualism
Related Words
Sensual, sensuous, voluptuous refer to experience through the senses. Sensual refers, often unfavorably, to the enjoyments derived from the senses, especially from the gratification or indulgence of physical appetites: a sensual delight in eating; sensual excesses. Sensuous refers, favorably or literally, to what is experienced through the senses: sensuous impressions; sensuous poetry. Voluptuous implies the luxurious gratification of sensuous or sensual desires: voluptuous joys; voluptuous beauty. See also carnal.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sensual
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin sēnsuālis, equivalent to sēnsu-, stem of sēnsus sense + -ālis -al 1
Explanation
Sensual means physically pleasing. It often is used in a sexual context, but is not exclusively sexual in meaning. Sensual has to do with the five senses, but it comes with a hint of lewdness, a suggestion of sex. Although you could have a sensual meal or experience that doesn’t involve romance, if you want a word that refers to the five senses without any unsavory connotations, use its cousin sensuous.
Vocabulary lists containing sensual
Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Warm-up, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Simon's Saga," Vocabulary from Episode 17
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The trilogy artfully transcends the binaries of empire, overlaying the brute facts of economy and race with ripping anecdotes, splendid uniforms and sensual Indian architecture.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri marked her return to Fendi at Milan Fashion Week on Wednesday, presenting a sensual and lightweight collection featuring "remodelled" furs and leathers crafted like lace.
From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026
In mixing the cerebral with the sensual, Eusexua mostly succeeds – but occasionally the precision of Twigs' vision suffocates the spontaneity she was aiming for.
From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025
Before he was a TV host or culinary demigod, Anthony Bourdain was a writer: sharp-tongued, sensual, and totally unafraid to follow a story wherever it led.
From Salon • Jun. 25, 2025
For most modern-day music lovers, music is something mysterious, unpredictable, sensual and, above all, emotional.
From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall
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.
