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

Byer has also worked in essential oil blends for more than 15 years, initially just for family and friends but soon expanding to pop-ups and craft shows. —Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025

Perfumes and Essential Oils Not only can fragrances and essential oils expire, it’s recommended to keep them out of the bathroom entirely. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025

Remember, essential oils are flammable, so never add them to dryers. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2025

Look for natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, essential oils and mild soaps. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for essential oil

• aerofoil
• cinquefoil
• hydrofoil
• quatrefoil
• airfoil
• benzoyl
• despoil
• embroil
• etoile
• gargoyle
• recoil
• subsoil

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