sensual Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite marked by the appetites and passions of the body
    fleshly; carnal; animal.
    • animal instincts
    • carnal knowledge
    • fleshly desire
    • a sensual delight in eating
    • music is the only sensual pleasure without vice
  2. adjective satellite sexually exciting or gratifying
    sultry.
    • sensual excesses
    • a sultry look
    • a sultry dance

WordNet

Sen"su*al adjective
Etymology
L. sensualis, from sensus sense: cf. F. sensuel.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to, consisting in, or affecting, the sense, or bodily organs of perception; relating to, or concerning, the body, in distinction from the spirit.
    Pleasing and sensual rites and ceremonies. Bacon.
    Far as creation's ample range extends, The scale of sensual, mental powers ascends. Pope.
  2. Hence, not spiritual or intellectual; carnal; fleshly; pertaining to, or consisting in, the gratification of the senses, or the indulgence of appetites; wordly.
    These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. Jude 19.
    The greatest part of men are such as prefer . . . that good which is sensual before whatsoever is most divine. Hooker.
  3. Devoted to the pleasures of sense and appetite; luxurious; voluptuous; lewd; libidinous.
    No small part of virtue consists in abstaining from that wherein sensual men place their felicity. Atterbury.
  4. Pertaining or peculiar to the philosophical doctrine of sensualism.

Webster 1913