occupational therapy

noun

: therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (such as self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning

occupational therapist noun

Examples of occupational therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sofia also requires a wheelchair as well as physical therapy to treat her mobility issues, and occupational therapy to develop her speech. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 24 June 2026

This summer will include multiple doctors’ appointments, plus speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy three times a week. — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

But other healthcare fields, such as nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, social work and occupational therapy, were not included in the definition. — ABC News, 19 May 2026

Among the graduates were the first two students from VU’s entry-level occupational therapy doctorate program, Peyton Throw and Maria Camacho. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for occupational therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

Medical Definition

occupational therapy

noun

: therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (as self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning