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 Disassembly was confusing because there were many parts, including a top cover, water basin, a tall tube, and a drawer for the aromatherapy pads. Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2024 The aromatherapy head massage was a dry one, in which Nevins rubbed tingly feeling tea tree oil into my scalp and then applied an electronic, cephalopod-like device, its multiple arms whirling away tension. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Lavender oil and rosemary oil provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, plus rose bud delivers the perks of aromatherapy to reduce anxiety. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023 Although aromatherapy is a beloved way to feel better, it isn't proven to have medical use. Annie Blackman, Allure, 9 Feb. 2024 The music will take place across four stages (each named after, naturally, an element), with the festival also offering art cars, theme camps, interactive performances, large-scale art installations and a wellness lineup featuring yoga, aromatherapy, dance, comedy, sound baths and workshops. Katie Bain, Billboard, 7 Feb. 2024 On Monday, Gomez unveiled the new 4-product range featuring a fragrance mist, body lotion, hand lotion and aromatherapy pen. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 13 Dec. 2023 The Spa Adjacent to the underground pool, Otro’s spa includes two massage rooms where guests can enjoy traditional massage or a selection of aromatherapy body treatments. Catherine Tansey, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2024 This aromatherapy diffuser is so stylish and the best part is that it can be operated by remote control. Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aromatherapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near aromatherapy

Cite this Entry

“Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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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