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

Both physical and occupational therapy can help, as well as tools like crutches, wheelchairs, a feeding tube or assisted ventilation, the Cleveland Clinic reports. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Since 2016, the university has added eight advanced clinical degree programs, including a physician assistant program, a doctor of occupational therapy and doctor of physical therapy program. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Left out are nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, occupational therapy and social work as well as fields outside of health care such as architecture, education, and accounting. —CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025

There is no cure for the disease, but treatment options to help with symptoms include physical and occupational therapy, Botox, antidepressants, eyeglasses with prism or bifocal lenses, and Parkinson’s disease medications. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 13 Nov. 2025

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