Meaning & use

sensor

noun·Everyday

A device that detects a physical property, such as light, heat, or motion, and produces a signal in response.

See it in a sentence

A motion sensor turns on the porch light whenever someone walks up the driveway.

The car's rain sensor automatically switches on the windshield wipers.

A note on using this word

Sensor is often confused with 'censor,' which means to review and remove content; the words are unrelated.

Words with a similar meaning

detector

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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