adj. 1 a of or depending on the senses only and not on the intellect or spirit; carnal, fleshly (sensual pleasures). b given to the pursuit of sensual pleasures or the gratification of the appetites; self-indulgent sexually or in regard to food and drink; voluptuous, licentious. c indicative of a sensual nature (sensual lips). 2 of sense or sensation, sensory. 3 Philos. of, according to, or holding the doctrine of, sensationalism. sensualism n. sensualist n. sensualize v.tr. (also -ise). sensually adv.
[ ME f. LL sensualis (as SENSE) ]