sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
Synonyms of sensation
1
a
: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
d
: an indefinite bodily feeling
a sensation of buoyancy
2
: something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
their elopement caused a sensation
b
: a cause of such excitement
the show was the musical sensation of the season
especially : one (such as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding
the rookie hitting sensation of the American League

Synonyms of sensation

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Examples of sensation in a Sentence

I experienced a stinging sensation in my arm. She felt a burning sensation in her throat. She craved new experiences and sensations. She had the strange sensation that someone was watching her. I couldn't quite shake the sensation that I'd been fooled. Her injury left her with no sensation in her legs.
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.
Being this close to a liftoff, and feeling the sensation of rising with it, creates an inspiring, rousing moment. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Gill wasn’t a teen sensation like Kylian Mbappé or Lamine Yamal, earning millions at the world’s top clubs. — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 The country music singer and TikTok sensation, who previously opened up about his battle with binge eating, shared his progress on his weight loss journey in a new interview with People magazine published Saturday, July 4. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland is tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappe for the Golden Boot lead with seven goals apiece. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensation

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensation was in 1557

Rhymes for sensation

See All Rhymes for sensation

Browse Nearby Words

sensate
sensation
sensational
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) that results from stimulation of a sense organ
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: an indefinite bodily feeling
2
a
: a state of excited interest or feeling
b
: a cause of such excitement

Medical Definition

sensation

noun
sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən, sən- How to pronounce sensation (audio)
1
a
: a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process compare perception
b
: awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
c
: a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes
a sensation of hunger
2
: something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation

More from Merriam-Webster on sensation

Nglish: Translation of sensation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sensation

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