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

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

Woods weave through saffron, patchouli, cedar, sandalwood, and an incense-like haze, while a touch of papyrus adds an earthy edge. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025

This santal and cedar candle mixes fragrances like cardamom and crushed black peppercorn with hints of patchouli, and the base scent offers an inviting blend of white cedarwood and golden amber. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2025

The experience is also sensorial thanks to the notes of neroli, rose, and patchouli, handpicked by founder Tracee Ellis Ross. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 21 Aug. 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