aromatherapy

American  

[uh-roh-muh-ther-uh-pee] / əˌroʊ məˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

1. the use of fragrances to affect or alter a person's mood or behavior.

2. treatment of facial skin by the application of fragrant floral and herbal substances.

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aromatherapy British  

/ əˌrəʊməˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

1. the use of fragrant essential oils extracted from plants as a treatment in complementary medicine to relieve tension and cure certain minor ailments

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Other Word Forms

• aromatherapist noun

Etymology

Origin of aromatherapy

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Persistent blackouts have left many pieces unfinished, including candleholders and aromatherapy huts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

But even though Goop once sold a $30 gem-infused “psychic vampire repellent” aromatherapy spray, Paltrow’s not a snake oil saleswoman — at least to me.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

Apparently she wants skin cream, candles, cheap jewelry, expensive pajamas, aromatherapy shower pods, and a pillow that does heated shiatsu massage.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

Known in Japan as an ion bath, it combines many spa treatments in one: a heated, weighted feeling to relax and soothe the body and a calming aromatherapy to pique the senses.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2025

These treatments range from acupuncture and homeopathy, to aromatherapy, meditation and colonic irrigation.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024