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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The citrusy notes of orange and the musk of marigold will further enthrall you and provide a dose of aromatherapy. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Dec. 2022 Below, take a peek — and maybe a whiff, too — of the very best, high-quality reed diffusers for a subtle boost of aromatherapy in your home. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Dec. 2022 The same bacterium was also found last year in contaminated aromatherapy room spray that sickened four people in Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota and Texas. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 27 July 2022 Plus, the device can also function as an aromatherapy diffuser; just add a few drops of your favorite essential oils and let the air purifier diffuse the scent. Amy Schulman, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2023 With 111 Skin, Aromatherapy Associates, and Omorovicza Budapest as wellness partners, every service — from massages and facials to aromatherapy and even a forest therapy ritual — radiates luxury. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2022 That’s the resort’s goal, of course, to lull you into a state of complete bliss — with hydrotherapy rituals, aromatherapy massages, and indulgence at every turn. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 12 Feb. 2023 The spa offers an array of rejuvenating treatments and services, from massages and body scrubs to facials and aromatherapy. Byrachel King, Fortune, 12 Feb. 2023 Meanwhile, Hough leans towards aromatherapy as the key to good night in — specifically to the floral stylings of Diptyque's Roses candle. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aromatherapy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 23 Mar. 2023.

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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