patchouli

or pach·ou·li, patch·ou·ly

[ pach-oo-lee, puh-choo-lee ]

noun

1. a plant, Pogostemon cablin, of tropical Asia, that yields a fragrant oil patchouli oil used in the manufacture of perfumes.
2. a penetrating perfume made from this oil.

patchouli

/ pəˈtʃuːlɪ; ˈpætʃʊlɪ /

noun

1. any of several Asiatic trees of the genus Pogostemon, the leaves of which yield a heavy fragrant oil: family Lamiaceae (labiates)
2. the perfume made from this oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of patchouli¹

First recorded in 1835–45, patchouli is from the Tamil word paccuḷi

Word History and Origins

Origin of patchouli¹

C19: from Tamil paccilai, from paccu green + ilai leaf

Example Sentences

Aguirre has taught Jay the correct pronunciation of many French perfume names and has put him on to all-time favorites, like Jeroboam’s Oriento, a jammy rose patchouli with a sparkling saffron top note.

From Los Angeles Times

The candle, with its scent of wood and spices, is based on the brand’s fan-favorite Oud Wood fragrance, which has a rich woodsy scent featuring notes of cardamom, patchouli and amber.

From Los Angeles Times

Notes include Timur pepper, coriander/cilantro leaf, black tea, frankincense, violet, saffron, amber, patchouli and vanilla.

From Los Angeles Times

Johnson’s Cassandra Webb — Cassie for short — is far younger and seems more like a patchouli and cannabis kind of gal, despite the frenetic wheel skills she displays in her job as a New York paramedic.

From New York Times

It will perfume your room with a blend of passion fruit, sparkling tea and patchouli for about 50 days.

From Seattle Times