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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Services include nursing, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and case management. Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 14 May 2025 There also will be clinical services, including physical and occupational therapies, speech pathology services, and specialized programs dedicated to neurological, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation rehabilitation. Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 Since their approval, the program has covered everything: physical and occupational therapy, visits to their daughter’s nine specialists and a weekly growth hormone. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025 Treatment also depends on the cause but could include physical, speech or occupational therapy, or in the case of Bell's palsy, surgery if symptoms last more than 6 to 12 months to improve facial appearance. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for occupational therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupational therapy was in 1915

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Occupational therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupational%20therapy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on occupational therapy

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