patchouli

noun

patch·​ou·​li pə-ˈchü-lē 

also

ˈpa-chə-lē 

variants or less commonly patchouly

: a heavy perfume made from the fragrant essential oil of a southeast Asian mint (Pogostemon cablin)

also : the plant itself

Examples of patchouli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Redolent of palo santo, leather, tobacco flowers, and patchouli, its invocation of campfire and church incense will keep the aura of sacred smoke around you all day. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026

To add to the already scrumptious array of smells, patchouli and barely-there white florals add complexity. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026

The titular ingredient is the star, but it’s balanced by orchids and jasmine and given depth with bergamot and patchouli. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 July 2026

Some of the most popular include patchouli, bergamot, peppermint, vanilla, sandalwood, sage and lavender. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Tamil paccuḷi

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patchouli

• bernoulli
• lazuli
• unduly
• unruly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• foully
• hooley