sensation
noun
sen·sa·tion
sen-ˈsā-shən 
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
That sensation creates an impact that digital files can't match.
—
Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
James Marsh, 42, from London, has helped turn his 101-year-old grandmother into an internet sensation through his TikTok account (@jmweightlosscoach), where a recent video has racked up 1.1 million views.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Now, Corder and her acrobatic pet have become an unexpected internet sensation, delighting fans worldwide with their gravity-defying spins and unmistakable flair.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
To Cowan, the act of juggling three tennis balls is not unlike the physical sensation of a ball hitting a tennis racket or a runner’s foot striking the ground.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Vikrant Shaurya, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
James Marsh, 42, from London, has helped turn his 101-year-old grandmother into an internet sensation through his TikTok account (@jmweightlosscoach), where a recent video has racked up 1.1 million views.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Now, Corder and her acrobatic pet have become an unexpected internet sensation, delighting fans worldwide with their gravity-defying spins and unmistakable flair.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 12 July 2025
To Cowan, the act of juggling three tennis balls is not unlike the physical sensation of a ball hitting a tennis racket or a runner’s foot striking the ground.
—Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensation
Cite this Entry
“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sensation
noun
sen·sa·tion
sen-ˈsā-shən
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-
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
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