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

Heavily scented sprays, perfumes and essential oils can be a problem for dogs with allergies, sensitive skin or respiratory issues. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Bowe advised using a gentle cleanser so skin does not feel squeaky-clean afterward, swapping gritty scrubs for hydrating exfoliating serums and skipping fragrances and essential oils. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

Our essential oil diffuser, nebulizer, and basket full of oils have been happily taken in by my mother-in-law, and are now scenting her living and guest room. — The Spruce, 14 Sep. 2026

To make a spray, add five drops of essential oils to 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle, or mix equal parts of vinegar and water, and spray the solution in areas where spiders may be hiding. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

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