noun
Common
sensor
SEHN-suh
Sensor (noun) means a device that detects a physical change or signal and responds or reports on it. Example: “The sensor on the door beeps whenever someone walks through.”
noun
1
A device that detects a physical change or signal and responds or reports on it.
"The sensor on the door beeps whenever someone walks through."
"The motion sensor turns the lights on automatically."
"A temperature sensor monitors the engine."
How to use sensor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device that detects something — light, motion, heat, pressure — and reports it.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
motion sensor
light sensor
sensor detects
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Word forms
- Plural
- sensors
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ on the door beeps whenever someone walks through.
Etymology
Formed in the 1920s from Latin sentiō, "to feel," on the pattern of words like "motor."
Class of 1920
sensor joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sensor
See all rhymes for sensor →Frequently asked questions
What does “sensor” mean?
The word “sensor” means a device that detects a physical change or signal and responds or reports on it. In plain terms, a device that detects something — light, motion, heat, pressure — and reports it.
How do you pronounce “sensor”?
“Sensor” is pronounced SEHN-suh (/ˈsɛn.sɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sensor” in a sentence?
Here is “sensor” used in a sentence: “The motion sensor turns the lights on automatically.”
What part of speech is “sensor”?
“Sensor” is a noun.
Where does the word “sensor” come from?
The word “sensor” dates back to around 1920 and comes from Latin. Formed in the 1920s from Latin sentiō, "to feel," on the pattern of words like "motor.".
Is “sensor” a common word?
“Sensor” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a sensor and a detector?
A sensor detects a physical change or signal and responds by measuring and reporting it, often as a continuous output. A detector typically just indicates whether something is present or absent. The two terms overlap in everyday use, and many devices can be called either.
What is the difference between a sensor and a transducer?
A sensor detects a physical change or signal and responds to it, while a transducer converts one form of energy into another. Many sensors contain a transducer as the part that turns the physical quantity into an electrical signal, so the two terms are closely related.
Is it spelled 'sensor' or 'senser'?
The correct spelling is 'sensor,' ending in -or. 'Senser' is a common misspelling; despite coming from the idea of sensing, the word always takes the -or ending.
What words commonly go with sensor?
Sensor usually pairs with the type of input it detects, as in motion sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, and proximity sensor. It also forms compounds such as sensor array and image sensor.
