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
You’re Exposed to Tear Gas Tear gas is a thick, powdery fog that sticks to moisture like saliva, sweat, tears, and mucous membranes and causes an intense burning sensation.
—
Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
The totes, which are 13 x 11 x 6 in, hit stores in February 2024 and quickly became a viral sensation, with customers eager to take it home.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The book by Vance – a venture capitalist before his foray into politics – caused a sensation after Trump’s first election win and was widely seen as an explanation for the billionaire’s rise among the White working class.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The album’s spartan arrangement of post-punk and funk elements, paired with a lyric sheet full of witty barbs that critiqued and demystified consumer capitalism, made the band a cult sensation, beloved by critics, art punks, and indie-rockers for decades to come.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensation
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Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 9 Apr. 2025
The totes, which are 13 x 11 x 6 in, hit stores in February 2024 and quickly became a viral sensation, with customers eager to take it home.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
The book by Vance – a venture capitalist before his foray into politics – caused a sensation after Trump’s first election win and was widely seen as an explanation for the billionaire’s rise among the White working class.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
The album’s spartan arrangement of post-punk and funk elements, paired with a lyric sheet full of witty barbs that critiqued and demystified consumer capitalism, made the band a cult sensation, beloved by critics, art punks, and indie-rockers for decades to come.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 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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