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
Ever since Pop-Tarts started sponsoring the college football bowl game in 2023, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has become a viral sensation thanks to the introduction of the Edible Mascot — an anthropomorphic pastry that was lowered into a giant toaster and eaten live by the winning team.
—
Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Of course, the real-life table-tennis sensation Marty Reisman, who Chalamet’s Marty is loosely based on, was also on her mood board.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025
The sensation behind the wheel is a head-spinning blast of boost akin to igniting a jet afterburner.
—Robb Report Contributors, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
New riders tend to notice these sensations more simply because their bodies haven’t yet adapted to longer periods in the saddle.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensation
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Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
Of course, the real-life table-tennis sensation Marty Reisman, who Chalamet’s Marty is loosely based on, was also on her mood board.
—Anna Tingley, Variety, 27 Dec. 2025
The sensation behind the wheel is a head-spinning blast of boost akin to igniting a jet afterburner.
—Robb Report Contributors, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
New riders tend to notice these sensations more simply because their bodies haven’t yet adapted to longer periods in the saddle.
—Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 2026.
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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