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
The global Puerto Rican sensation has teamed up with Calvin Klein for a sizzling new campaign published by both parties on Instagram, Monday (March 17), that’s already turning heads.
—
Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
Beaver rescue brings new life to animal sanctuary An elderly beaver named Agnes who was found badly injured and malnourished has become an unlikely social media sensation and financial savior for a struggling animal rescue in Indiana.
—David Begnaud, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
The cavernous space — often half-empty during February’s high season when restaurants throughout Southwest Florida have waiting lists — reinforces the sensation of still being in transit rather than having arrived at a destination.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025
Over time, people began associating this warming sensation with the effects of an evening alcoholic drink, an idea that persists in popular culture today.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensation
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Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
Beaver rescue brings new life to animal sanctuary An elderly beaver named Agnes who was found badly injured and malnourished has become an unlikely social media sensation and financial savior for a struggling animal rescue in Indiana.
—David Begnaud, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2025
The cavernous space — often half-empty during February’s high season when restaurants throughout Southwest Florida have waiting lists — reinforces the sensation of still being in transit rather than having arrived at a destination.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025
Over time, people began associating this warming sensation with the effects of an evening alcoholic drink, an idea that persists in popular culture today.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 15 Mar. 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 20 Mar. 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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