Definition of sensornext
as in detector
a device that detects some physical quantity and responds usually with a transmitted signal the cat accidentally triggered the motion sensor, which set off the alarm

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of sensor Light sensors can automatically turn off lights when no one is in a room; plug-in timers, which also run on electricity, can turn on or power down lamps and lighting. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026 In the first, NASA engineers attached the system to a dummy test capsule packed with hundreds of sensors, placed it alongside the glimmering white sand dunes of New Mexico and fired it off to simulate an abort from the launch pad. Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 This release added a ton of stuff for swimmers, including depth tracking and water temperature sensors, as well as sleep apnea alerts for snorers. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026 There are six active HERA sensors deployed at various spots inside the Orion crew module. Leonard David, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sensor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sensor
detector
Noun
  • Technically, the frustration detector is simple.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Armed with artificial lights, Marco sat his sister at a desk across from a golden cryostat, which her colleagues use to freeze detectors to temperatures colder than the vacuum of space to hunt for subatomic particles zipping by.
    Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sensor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sensor. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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