aromatherapy

noun

aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce aromatherapy (audio)
: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes
broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being
aromatherapeutic adjective
aromatherapist noun

Examples of aromatherapy 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.
Generating near $6 billion in 2025 alone, the global sleep aid economy is supported by supplements, aromatherapy and wearable tech. Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Massages are customized to the individual, and incorporate various techniques like deep tissue, Swedish, and aromatherapy (add-ons, like CBD and hot salt stones, are available too; and the botanicals used are ethically-sourced). John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025 The chic, award-winning, mold-inhibiting, purse-friendly and dermatologist recommended unit also comes with a space for an aromatherapy stone and essential oils to keep your cortisol levels low while micromanaging troublesome coworkers. Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Taking a birthing class, aromatherapy and relaxation breathing have all been touted to help women prepare for birth, and evidence suggests that exercising during pregnancy can also make for an easier delivery. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aromatherapy

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French aromathérapie, from aroma-, Latinized form of arome aroma + thérapie therapy

Note: The French word was promulgated and apparently coined by the chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé (1881-1950), in Aromathérapie—les huiles essentielles hormones végétales (Paris, 1937) and other publications.

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aromatherapy was in 1949

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Cite this Entry

“Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

aromatherapy

noun
aro·​ma·​ther·​a·​py ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce aromatherapy (audio)
plural aromatherapies
: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes
Aromatherapy relies on very concentrated "essential" oils from the flowers, leaves, bark, branches, rind or roots of plants with purported healing properties.Jane E. Brody, The New York Times
broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being
aromatherapeutic adjective
aromatherapeutic oils
aromatherapist noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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