What do you call words and phrases that appeal to the five senses?

Words and phrases that appeal to the five senses are referred to as imagery. Imagery is a literary device that creates vivid and descriptive language to evoke sensory experiences for the reader. By using imagery, a writer can paint a picture in the reader's mind that engages their sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, making the text more immersive and relatable.

For example, when a writer describes the smell of fresh bread baking or the sound of leaves rustling in the wind, they are using imagery to enhance the reader's experience. This technique allows for a deeper emotional connection and can transport readers into the scene being described, making it feel more real and immediate. The other terms listed have different meanings: symbolism refers to using symbols to represent ideas or qualities, alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in closely placed words, and onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate natural sounds.