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

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

Her son brushed his teeth at his occupational therapy appointment. — Gabriella Fine, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026

Geno then began speech, physical and occupational therapy to recover from right-sided weakness and speech difficulties. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 6 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