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
But now, the former social media sensation is in the spotlight once again, as the Netflix limited series Apple Cider Vinegar brings the story of her rise and fall to the small screen.
—
Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Fox gives this team more credibility on the floor and gives the second-year sensation another All-Star teammate.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
The drumming sensation from Japan will perform in San Diego as part of its One Earth Tour. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The move pairs Fox with French sensation Victor Wembanyama, last season’s rookie of the year.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sensation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Fox gives this team more credibility on the floor and gives the second-year sensation another All-Star teammate.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
The drumming sensation from Japan will perform in San Diego as part of its One Earth Tour. 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
The move pairs Fox with French sensation Victor Wembanyama, last season’s rookie of the year.
—Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sensation
Dictionary Entries Near sensation
Cite this Entry
“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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