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 first film was a surprise sensation that weathered poor reviews and a day-and-date release on Peacock to land Blumhouse‘s top opening of all time with $78 million.
—
Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
This new original musical is a global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
—Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
The overwhelming footage will likely be a sensation in the IMAX format, given the audience response.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
According to TikTok sensation Rosie Scher, there is.
—Howard Murphy, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024
The hypoallergenic stainless steel has a natural pleasant cooling sensation to depuff the face or can be warmed up to soothe skin.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
Playing its first gig in the band's native London in November 2021, The Last Dinner Party's pointed and infectious baroque pop rock quickly made the band a national sensation.
—Journal Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2024
Regular use of antifungal shampoos can significantly alleviate itching sensations and prevent your dog from scratching excessively.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The Off-Broadway sensation has been revamped for 2024.
—Allison Kiehl, The Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2024
Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2024
This new original musical is a global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.
—Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 10 Apr. 2024
The overwhelming footage will likely be a sensation in the IMAX format, given the audience response.
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
According to TikTok sensation Rosie Scher, there is.
—Howard Murphy, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2024
The hypoallergenic stainless steel has a natural pleasant cooling sensation to depuff the face or can be warmed up to soothe skin.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024
Playing its first gig in the band's native London in November 2021, The Last Dinner Party's pointed and infectious baroque pop rock quickly made the band a national sensation.
—Journal Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2024
Regular use of antifungal shampoos can significantly alleviate itching sensations and prevent your dog from scratching excessively.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The Off-Broadway sensation has been revamped for 2024.
—Allison Kiehl, The Enquirer, 31 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sensation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sensation
Cite this Entry
“Sensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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