patchouli

noun

patch·​ou·​li pə-ˈchü-lē 

also

ˈpa-chə-lē 

variants or less commonly patchouly

: a heavy perfume made from the fragrant essential oil of a southeast Asian mint (Pogostemon cablin)

also : the plant itself

Examples of patchouli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The new scent — which opens with bergamot, ginger and cardamom, has orange blossom at its heart and is grounded with warm woods and patchouli — evokes a full-circle moment for Butler. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The scent is accented with notes like peach skin and patchouli and can be sprayed anywhere that needs a little warmth, including around your home. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025

Meant to celebrate moments together, the woody juice is bright, happy and optimistic, with the combination of cedarwood, patchouli, peony accord and mandarin. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Rock River Melody is on the warmer side of the green spectrum, and uses patchouli and cedar to blanket the wearer along with musk and amber. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Tamil paccuḷi

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patchouli

• bernoulli
• lazuli
• unduly
• unruly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• hooley
• muley