sensual
adjective
sen·su·al
ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)wəl 
-shəl
1
: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : fleshly
2
3
a
: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites
b
c
: deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly
especially
: irreligious
Examples of sensual in a Sentence
A sharp observer with a pleasing eye for sensual detail, Jaffrey weaves a richly textured story in which she effortlessly mingles quotidian dramas with historic events including the partition of India.
—
Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006
And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads.
—Andrea Lee, Gourmet, May 2004
Certain fragrances apparently heighten sensual experiences.
the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin
Michelle Green, People, 6 Nov. 2006
And Rousseau, in his Confessions, wrote of the sensual pleasure he found in simple meals of peasant cheeses and breads.
—Andrea Lee, Gourmet, May 2004
Certain fragrances apparently heighten sensual experiences.
the sensual feel of a velvet shirt against the skin
Recent Examples on the Web
The guiding thread across her work has been intimacy and elegance: like Home, her welcome reimagining of a contemporary art space which ran until 2023; her heartfelt personal photography; and Selasi’s sensual dresses and rakish tailoring in sumptuous, earth tones.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 July 2025
Each season, the designer also finds inspiration in the swift pace of New York City, which lends itself to creating clothing that strays into sensual territory.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025
The pair then come together in a retro booth before becoming sensual dance partners.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Marrying modernity with antiquity, every corner of this sprawling hotel is a sensual feast for the eyes.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensual
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 July 2025
Each season, the designer also finds inspiration in the swift pace of New York City, which lends itself to creating clothing that strays into sensual territory.
—Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 25 July 2025
The pair then come together in a retro booth before becoming sensual dance partners.
—Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Marrying modernity with antiquity, every corner of this sprawling hotel is a sensual feast for the eyes.
—Tiffany Leigh, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensual
Cite this Entry
“Sensual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensual. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sensual
adjective
sen·su·al
ˈsench-(ə-)wəl
ˈsen-shəl
1
: relating to or consisting in the pleasing of the senses
2
: devoted to the pleasures of the senses
Medical Definition
sensual
adjective
sen·su·al
ˈsench-(ə-)wəl, ˈsen-shəl
1
2
: relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite
3
: devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share