nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fasting mice also presented signs of a stronger gut barrier and reduced inflammation of the nervous system. — Mike McRae 25, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Your charm works better when your nervous system is not running the whole show from a back room. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026 The nervous system adapts too, becoming better able to activate and coordinate muscle movement. — Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 Bullock said about Randall’s diagnosis with a fatal nervous system disorder. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nervous system

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nervous system was in 1703

Rhymes for nervous system

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Browse Nearby Words

nervousness
nervous system
nervous wreck
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Cite this Entry

“Nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nervous%20system. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nervous system

noun
: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun
: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

More from Merriam-Webster on nervous system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nervous system

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