sensation

noun

sen·​sa·​tion sen-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce sensation (audio)
sən-
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

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.
Written by Senior Editor of Harvard Business Review Kevin Evers, the book explores the strategic moves made by Swift, 35, in her incredible career, from her first forays as a 13-year-old singing at a local mall to becoming a multi-billion-dollar global sensation. Escher Walcott, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 On the internet, Challengers was a cultural sensation. Nate Jones, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 Ultimately, feeling that scrape and the pain sensation from it helps keep you safe from harm. Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025 These receptors then signal the brain via the vagus nerve, creating a sensation of fullness. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near sensation

Cite this Entry

“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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

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