Word
sensory
Phoneticssen·so·ry, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛnsɝi/
UK/sˈɛnsəɹˌi/
Definitions
01related to the senses
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. relating to the physical senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch.
adj. relating to the physical senses or the perception of stimuli through the sensory organs.
“The garden was designed to provide a rich sensory experience with bright flowers and fragrant herbs.”
“The exhibition offers a complete sensory immersion, combining abstract visual projections with a complex soundscape and tactile installations.”
Synonyms
02nerve transmission
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
adj. describing the nerves that carry information from your body to your brain.
adj. relating to the transmission of impulses from sense organs to the central nervous system.
“Sensory nerves in your skin tell your brain if something is hot or cold.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sensory” in context.
Adjective
01. highly sensory
“The museum offers a highly sensory exhibition where visitors can touch the sculptures.”
adv + adj
02. purely sensory
“The decision to buy the perfume was purely sensory, based only on its floral scent.”
adv + adj
Noun
03. sensory deprivation
“Floating in a dark, silent tank is a common form of sensory deprivation therapy.”
adj + noun
04. sensory experience
“Wine tasting is a complete sensory experience involving sight, smell, and taste.”
adj + noun
05. sensory input
“The brain processes sensory input from the environment to help us navigate safely.”
adj + noun
06. sensory overload
“The bright lights and loud music at the festival caused immediate sensory overload.”
adj + noun
07. sensory perception
“Scientists are studying how aging affects sensory perception in the elderly.”
adj + noun
08. expenditure sensory
Real-World Examples
“The team says that the other tomb, Tomba dei Demoni Azzurri, offers a sharply different sensory experience compared with Tomba del Gallo.” “Bioacoustics opened up the world of bat echolocation and sonic sensory experience.” Etymology
From sense + -ory.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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