Sensory Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsɛnˈsɔri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A sense or perception that is produced by stimulation of the sensory organs, especially the skin, eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and muscles, and enabling us to understand and interpret the environment.

Examples

• The smell of freshly baked cookies is a sensory experience.
• The sound of thunder is a sensory perception that can startle us.
• The feeling of sand between our toes is a sensory pleasure.
• The taste of a ripe peach is a sensory delight.
• The sight of a sunset is a sensory experience that can evoke emotions.

Synonyms

• Sensation
• Sensation

Antonyms

• Insensibility
• Lack of awareness

Additional Information

Sensory experiences can be powerful and influential, shaping our perceptions, emotions, and actions. The human body has five traditional senses – sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell – but some people may have additional sensory sensitivities or abilities, such as synesthesia or proprioception. Sensory experiences can also be used therapeutically, such as in sensory integration therapy, to help individuals with sensory processing disorders or other conditions.

Etymology

The word “sensory” comes from the Latin “sensus”, meaning “perception” or “feeling”.

Usage Notes

Use “sensory” to describe a sense or perception that is produced by stimulation of the sensory organs. Avoid using it to describe a mere physical sensation, which may be better described as a “feeling” or “sensation”.

Cultural References

In popular culture, sensory experiences are often featured in films, literature, and art, such as in the depiction of synesthesia in the novel and film “The Goldfinch” or the depiction of sensory overload in the film “The Shining”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“A sensory overload” or “sensory overload” is a common idiomatic expression used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by too much sensory information.

Related Words or Phrases

• Sensation
• Perception
• Feeling
• Tactility

Collocations

• Sensory experience
• Sensory perception
• Sensory stimulation
• Sensory integration

Frequency of Use

According to the Oxford English Corpus, “sensory” is used in approximately 1.4% of English texts, making it a relatively common word.

Common Misspellings

• Sensorye
• Sensoree