essential oil

noun

: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy compare fixed oil

Examples of essential oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some research has shown that essential oils can offer some benefit for some health concerns. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 6 Apr. 2024 But none of it is the actual Menton lemon, a prized variety whose fans included King Louis XIV, who enjoyed drinking its juice and bathing in its essential oils. Barbara Surk and Daniel Cole, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024 Nearby, Cheung Shing Fans Factory sells incense sticks and essential oils (300 dollars per vial) and pricey sandalwood fans. Tiffany May, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2024 Research shows that tea tree essential oil is an effective way to get rid of demodex mites. Ali Finney, SELF, 15 Mar. 2024 They’re made with natural lemon and tea tree essential oils for a natural clean. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 1 Apr. 2024 Adding natural germ-fighting essential oils can further boost your bath’s potency; eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint are all anti-bacterial and will scent your water beautifully too. Georgia Day, Vogue, 27 Mar. 2024 Instead, why not try these premium soy candles infused with essential oils? Claire Rutter, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 The set is packaged in a gift box with crinkle paper, and all products are handmade in Austin, Texas, with essential oils and natural ingredients. Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of essential oil was in 1674

Dictionary Entries Near essential oil

Cite this Entry

“Essential oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20oil. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

essential oil

noun
: any of a large class of volatile odoriferous oils of vegetable origin that give plants their characteristic odors and often other properties, that are obtained from various parts of the plants (as flowers, leaves, or bark) by steam distillation, expression, or extraction, that are usually mixtures of compounds (as aldehydes or esters), and that are used often in the form of essences in perfumes, flavorings, and pharmaceutical preparations

called also ethereal oil, volatile oil

compare fatty oil, fixed oil

More from Merriam-Webster on essential oil

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