essential oil
noun
: any of a class of volatile oils that give plants their characteristic odors and are used especially in perfumes and flavorings, and for aromatherapy compare fixed oil
Examples of essential oil in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For even more odor-fighting power, Rochester recommends combining 2 teaspoons of citric acid, a half cup of water, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 20 drops of pine essential oil in a spray bottle.
—
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 cups of vinegar and label the bottle.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
In addition to their delightful fragrance, when grown on patios, these flowers can help repel mosquitoes due to their essential oil, which mosquitoes find unpleasant.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Guests can also try the Kneipp path, a hydrotherapy treatment that involves alternating hot and cold water, and experience the traditional Finnish Aufguss ritual, where water or ice infused with essential oils is poured over hot stones, releasing aromatic steam for detoxification purposes.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential oil
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.
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
Add 20 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 cups of vinegar and label the bottle.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Feb. 2026
In addition to their delightful fragrance, when grown on patios, these flowers can help repel mosquitoes due to their essential oil, which mosquitoes find unpleasant.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
Guests can also try the Kneipp path, a hydrotherapy treatment that involves alternating hot and cold water, and experience the traditional Finnish Aufguss ritual, where water or ice infused with essential oils is poured over hot stones, releasing aromatic steam for detoxification purposes.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for essential oil
Cite this Entry
“Essential oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/essential%20oil. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
