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 soap's sensual marketing theme earned mixed reactions on social media, with some users dubbing it a gimmick and questioning the item's cleanliness.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Eynon’s design was inspired by Britain’s wetlands, and features flora and fauna with sensual curves.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Hers is a purposeful language, one that looks not just with attention but with sensual intention, and though awestruck, seeks to hold, even briefly, the unknowns of the energies that make any life.
—Natalie Diaz
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
This sensual, swoon-worthy drama dares to imagine love thriving where prejudice prevails.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sensual
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.
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Eynon’s design was inspired by Britain’s wetlands, and features flora and fauna with sensual curves.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
Hers is a purposeful language, one that looks not just with attention but with sensual intention, and though awestruck, seeks to hold, even briefly, the unknowns of the energies that make any life.
—Natalie Diaz
september 11, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
This sensual, swoon-worthy drama dares to imagine love thriving where prejudice prevails.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 10 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share