Here, we report the synthesis of the WS₂ nanorods (NRs) using an eco-friendly and facile hydrothermal method for an acetone-sensing application. This study explores the acetone gas-sensing characteristics of the WS₂ nanorod sensor for 5, 10, and 15 ppm concentrations at 25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C. The WS₂ nanorod sensor shows the highest sensitivity of 94.5% at 100 °C for the 15 ppm acetone concentration. The WS₂ nanorod sensor also reveals the outstanding selectivity of acetone compared to other gases, such as ammonia, ethanol, acetaldehyde, methanol, and xylene at 100 °C with a 15 ppm concentration. The estimated selectivity coefficient indicates that the selectivity of the WS₂ nanorod acetone sensor is 7.1, 4.5, 3.7, 2.9, and 2.0 times higher than xylene, acetaldehyde, ammonia, methanol, and ethanol, respectively. In addition, the WS₂ nanorod sensor also divulges remarkable stability of 98.5% during the 20 days of study. Therefore, it is concluded that the WS₂ nanorod can be an excellent nanomaterial for developing acetone sensors for monitoring work/public places.