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

Best Green: Maison Louis Marie No. 09 Vallee de Farney Natural Eau de Parfum Opening with a blast of grapefruit and black pepper, Vallee de Farney quickly settles to a cool, woody, and dry patchouli that lingers softly for five-plus hours. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025

By the drydown, you’re left with this cashmere vanilla and crystallized patchouli that feels like a second skin. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Oct. 2025

In this case, that meant teaming up with French artist Jean Julien to create a rose- and patchouli-scented ode to the City of Light. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025

L’Absolu boasts notes of rich orange blossom, deep patchouli, cool sparkling ginger, bergamot and cardamom. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

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
• hooley
• muley