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

I can almost smell the patchouli of his beard oil—which he leaves at my apartment every other week—through the door.

From MIT Technology Review

I could smell the patchouli oil he was wearing as well as the incense that was burning in the studio.

From The Daily Beast

An unnatural, degenerate garden, where the trees carry marrons glacs and the flowers are scented with patchouli.

From Project Gutenberg

She filled the hall with her patchouli and shrill vivacity, and presently was gone.

From Project Gutenberg

The air was hot; the odour of patchouli mingled with the stench of stale garments and the reek of alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

Pointing to Thomas, she sobbed into a purple silk handkerchief that smelled not faintly of patchouli.

From Project Gutenberg

The first thing that struck him on entering was the scent of patchouli, always distasteful to him.

From Project Gutenberg