English Reference
adjective

sensory

adj.
US /ˈsɛnsɝi/ UK /sˈɛnsəɹˌi/ sen·so·ry UK spelling sensories

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    relating to the physical senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch.

    relating to the physical senses or the perception of stimuli through the sensory organs.

    Simple

    The garden was designed to provide a rich sensory experience with bright flowers and fragrant herbs.

    In context

    The exhibition offers a complete sensory immersion, combining abstract visual projections with a complex soundscape and tactile installations.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    describing the nerves that carry information from your body to your brain.

    relating to the transmission of impulses from sense organs to the central nervous system.

    Simple

    Sensory nerves in your skin tell your brain if something is hot or cold.

    In context

    Damage to the sensory pathways can result in a complete loss of feeling in the extremities even if motor function remains intact.

    Usage

    Often used in contrast with 'motor' nerves, which carry signals from the brain to the muscles.

    afferent

Usage expenditure sensory

The team says that the other tomb, Tomba dei Demoni Azzurri, offers a sharply different sensory experience compared with Tomba del Gallo.

Phys.org· 4 Sept 2026

Bioacoustics opened up the world of bat echolocation and sonic sensory experience.

Aeon· 17 Aug 2026

From sense + -ory.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated