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.
Psychotherapy, counseling, occupational therapy, mindfulness therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help improve functioning ad quality of life for people who have schizophrenia. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2026 Reducing Burnout With An AI-Powered Therapy Scribe Therapists across behavioral health, physical therapy and occupational therapy sectors often spend hours after sessions writing notes. — Sameer Bhat, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 Those include programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physician assistant studies. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026 The company provides services for autism, counseling, education, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and psychological needs. — Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 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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