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.
This sky lit space is the ideal place to enjoy a range of massages that include aromatherapy, deep tissue, four hand or shiatsu massage. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 From there, Rosen cycles through aromatherapy, a skin analysis, a double cleanse, enzyme exfoliation, pore extractions, massage and a treatment mask. Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Denver Post, 10 July 2025 This treatment utilizes aromatherapy and indigenous rituals and includes an energy cleansing ritual, craniosacral therapy and a Mexican folk healing massage. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Breu Branco, an aromatic resin, lends a dash of aromatherapy to the mix, and Vogue editors can’t get enough of its citrusy, woodsy fragrance. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 June 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 24 Jul. 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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