nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prioritize the health of your nervous system, and revisit things with a clear mind. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 These more severe symptoms may last several weeks and lead to permanent damage to the brain and nervous system. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Responding, by contrast, requires a pause—the breath that lets the nervous system settle so leaders can see what's actually happening, rather than what their biology thinks is happening. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Upworthy’s reporting on the trend argues that constant multitasking and algorithm driven content have trained modern nervous systems to feel suspicious of stillness. — Allison Palmer july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nervous system

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nervous system was in 1703

Rhymes for nervous system

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Browse Nearby Words

nervousness
nervous system
nervous wreck
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Cite this Entry

“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nervous system

noun
: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun
: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

More from Merriam-Webster on nervous system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nervous system

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