occupational therapy

American  

noun

1. a form of therapy in which patients are encouraged to engage in vocational tasks or expressive activities, as art or dance, usually in a social setting.

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occupational therapy British  

noun

1. med treatment of people with physical, emotional, or social problems, using purposeful activity to help them overcome or learn to deal with their problems

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Other Word Forms

• occupational therapist noun

Etymology

Origin of occupational therapy

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

"I did occupational therapy when I was in impatient treatment, like art and pottery and songwriting, and that's how I got back into music," she says.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

As he fell behind in first grade, his doctor referred him to occupational therapy and a psychologist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

"My struggle goes beyond what you see on camera or how I present myself," he said, pointing to years of speech and occupational therapy as well as socialization training.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

Specialized occupational therapy tools at the clinic were replaced by scavenged substitutes: buttons, small glasses, pieces of wood or pipe now help patients relearn activities of daily living.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2025

When David was three and started coming to the clinic for occupational therapy, I tagged along because I was too little to stay home alone.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord