What does "sensation" mean?
A physical feeling or perception from something that comes into contact with the body; something sensed.
Sensation
/sɛnˈseɪʃən/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A physical feeling or perception from something that comes into contact with the body; something sensed.
- Grammar: sensation is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: feeling, perception, ace, adept.
- Useful contrasts: numb, anaesthetic, anaesthetizing.
- Usage evidence: The hair style of the Beatles created a sensation.
How to use "sensation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sensation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sensation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sensation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sensation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sensation" is acting as noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "feeling" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sensation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A physical feeling or perception from something that comes into contact with the body; something sensed. countable, uncountable
"Captain Edward Carlisle, soldier as he was, martinet as he was, felt a curious sensation of helplessness seize upon him as he met her steady gaze, her alluring smile; he could not tell what this prisoner might do."
- 2 the faculty through which the external world is apprehended wordnet
- 3 Excitation of sensory organs. countable, uncountable
"Coordinate term: perception"
- 4 an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation wordnet
- 5 A widespread reaction of interest or excitement. countable, uncountable
"“Two or three months more went by; the public were eagerly awaiting the arrival of this semi-exotic claimant to an English peerage, and sensations, surpassing those of the Tichbourne case, were looked forward to with palpitating interest. […]”"
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 a general feeling of excitement and heightened interest wordnet
- 7 A remarkable person. countable, dated, figuratively, uncommon, uncountable
"You truly are a sensation."
- 8 someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field wordnet
- 9 A small serving of gin or sherry. archaic, countable, slang, uncountable
"A Sensation . . . . Half-a-glass of sherry."
- 10 a state of widespread public excitement and interest wordnet
Example
"The hair style of the Beatles created a sensation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sensation"?
Common synonyms include: feeling, perception, ace, adept, aesthesia, aesthesis.
How do you use "sensation" in a sentence?
The hair style of the Beatles created a sensation.
How do you pronounce "sensation"?
Pronounced /sɛnˈseɪʃən/.
Etymology
From Old French, from Medieval Latin sensatio, from Latin sensus.