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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sara Gudiel, an occupational therapy student at Touro University Nevada in Henderson, developed a six-week curriculum designed to help teens and adults with Down syndrome navigate the transition to adulthood, according to Fox 5 Las Vegas. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Its on-site care will include, as needed, case management, nursing, occupational therapy, substance abuse support, workforce development, and round-the-clock resident coordinators . Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 Most myofunctional therapists have backgrounds in related fields like speech-language pathology, occupational therapy or dentistry. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 June 2026 Sofia also requires a wheelchair as well as physical therapy to treat her mobility issues, and occupational therapy to develop her speech. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for occupational therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of occupational therapy was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Occupational therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/occupational%20therapy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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

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