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TAKE THE QUIZaromatherapy
noun
aro·ma·ther·a·py
ə-ˌrō-mə-ˈther-ə-pē 
: 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
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
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
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
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
Jane E. Brody, The New York Times
broadly
: the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being
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