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

Illinois’ Parkland College is launching a new healthcare pre-apprenticeship program, preparing participants for careers as surgical techs, rad techs, respiratory therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and LPNs. — Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Patients also can benefit from physical and occupational therapy. — CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Nearly a decade later, North Central College has added nine graduate advanced clinical practice and two post-graduate programs to its offerings, including programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and nursing. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

The university said that degree is only in occupational therapy. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 15 July 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