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
Nigerian sensation Asake is buzzing with energy in the lead up to his third studio album Lungu Boy, out on Friday.
—
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024
Trending on Billboard Today, Gerardo Mejía, once a dynamic performer who danced his way into the hearts of millions, has shifted rhythms — morphing from a pop sensation into a seasoned music executive for UnitedMasters, a pastor, and even a coffee entrepreneur.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2024
This has been no ordinary summer; this has been the season of Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024
Swimmers will want to dive right into this historic property's massive pool, where aquatic sensation Esther Williams once enthralled guests.
—Catherine Garcia, theweek, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensation 
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024
Trending on Billboard Today, Gerardo Mejía, once a dynamic performer who danced his way into the hearts of millions, has shifted rhythms — morphing from a pop sensation into a seasoned music executive for UnitedMasters, a pastor, and even a coffee entrepreneur.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 6 Aug. 2024
This has been no ordinary summer; this has been the season of Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh.
—Aleks Klosok, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024
Swimmers will want to dive right into this historic property's massive pool, where aquatic sensation Esther Williams once enthralled guests.
—Catherine Garcia, theweek, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sensation
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 19 Aug. 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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