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

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

Anchoring the composition is the unparalleled richness of the 80-year-old oud itself—its velvety, resinous depth enhanced by patchouli, creamy sandalwood, and myrrh. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Dossier Orchid & Sandalwood at Dusk, on the other hand, combines orchid and jasmine with spicy cardamom, smoky incense, and woody patchouli. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 13 Aug. 2025

The new scent — which opens with bergamot, ginger and cardamom, has orange blossom at its heart and is grounded with warm woods and patchouli — evokes a full-circle moment for Butler. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 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