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 garments by the two designers are arranged side by side or facing each other, allowing visitors to appreciate the contrast between Balenciaga’s formal elegance and Alaïa’s sensual style.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
This film took us on an unexpected journey through the hallucinating world of the rave dancers in the desert of Morocco, with the specificity of a journalist, and with all the sensual power of a filmmaker.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
His goal was to create a sensual yet minimalist refuge, where the architecture of the space would be the focus.
—Amir Capogrossi Badreddine, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
The magical Super Full Moon in Taurus illuminates the sky and highlights our sensual desires.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensual
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Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025
This film took us on an unexpected journey through the hallucinating world of the rave dancers in the desert of Morocco, with the specificity of a journalist, and with all the sensual power of a filmmaker.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
His goal was to create a sensual yet minimalist refuge, where the architecture of the space would be the focus.
—Amir Capogrossi Badreddine, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2025
The magical Super Full Moon in Taurus illuminates the sky and highlights our sensual desires.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 21 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
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