# sensual

/ˈsɛnʃəwəɫ/ (US) · /sˈɛnsjuːəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sensual
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 3. sensory

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

relating to the physical senses like sight and touch.

For teachers: pertaining to the physical senses; sensory in nature. Often used in literary or philosophical contexts to contrast with the spiritual.

- The poet described the sensual world of the garden in great detail.
- In his later essays, the philosopher explores the tension between sensual experience and abstract reasoning.

## Examples

- The spa offers a sensual experience with soft music and scented oils.
- The chef focused on the sensual qualities of the dish, pairing the crunch of the crust with a smooth cream.
- Her poetry is celebrated for its sensual imagery, capturing the heat of the sun and the scent of jasmine in a way that transports the reader to the Mediterranean coast.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.