Definition of "sentient" in English

adjective

1. Experiencing sensation, thought, or feeling.

   • Consider fish, who are apparently sentient yet cognitively extremely primitive in comparison with humans.
   • Obviously, other morally relevant considerations would apply to the case of a sentient fetus, as by acquiring sentience it acquires interests and moral status.

2. Able to consciously perceive through the use of sense faculties.

3. (loosely, chiefly science fiction) Possessing human-like awareness and intelligence.

noun

1. Lifeform with the capability to feel sensation, such as pain.

2. (loosely, chiefly science fiction) An intelligent, self-aware being.