patchouli

noun

patch·​ou·​li pə-ˈchü-lē 

also

ˈpa-chə-lē 

variants or less commonly patchouly

: a heavy perfume made from the fragrant essential oil of a southeast Asian mint (Pogostemon cablin)

also : the plant itself

Examples of patchouli in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

King William pear, freesia, and patchouli are the key notes, paired with argan oil and vitamin B5 for extra hair conditioning benefits. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025

Cinnamon and clove add spicy depth, while patchouli and sandalwood provide a rich, grounding base. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

My personal favorite of the bunch, this eau de parfum leads with a vibrant orange burst, balanced by a jasmine accord, May rose, patchouli, and vetiver. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

Opening up with bergamot essence, the perfume has a heart of Iso E Super—a musky, skin-scent classic that melds notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, suede, and vetiver. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Tamil paccuḷi

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for patchouli

• bernoulli
• lazuli
• unduly
• unruly
• cooley
• coolly
• cooly
• coulee
• cruelly
• duly
• hooley
• muley