sensory

adjective

sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)-sə-rē How to pronounce sensory (audio)
ˈsen(t)s-rē
Synonyms of sensory
1
: of or relating to sensation or to the senses
sensory stimulation
2
: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent
sensory neurons

Synonyms of sensory

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Examples of sensory in a Sentence

A study was conducted on sensory stimulation and its effects on the brain. trying to listen to music while watching the TV and eating dinner caused a sort of sensory overload
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.
Backyards are quietly becoming nervous-system tools this spring, and sensory gardens are the reason. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 Possible applications include virtual social gatherings, online shopping, and healthcare research involving sensory perception or loss. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 Studies in neuroscience have proven that the brain subconsciously processes millions of bits of sensory information every second, and at a much faster rate than the conscious mind. — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Layering sound, scent and backyard landscaping The feel of the space lives in the sensory layers. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensory

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensory was in 1651

Phrases Containing sensory

Rhymes for sensory

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Browse Nearby Words

sensorium
sensory
sensory area
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Cite this Entry

“Sensory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sensory

adjective
sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce sensory (audio)
1
: of or relating to sensation or to the senses
sensory stimulation
2
: carrying nerve impulses from the sense organs toward or to the brain : afferent
a sensory nerve

Medical Definition

sensory

adjective
sen·​so·​ry ˈsen(t)s-(ə-)rē How to pronounce sensory (audio)
1
: of or relating to sensation or the senses
sensory stimulation
sensory data
2
: conveying nerve impulses from the sense organs to the nerve centers : afferent
sensory nerve fibers
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